What type of medication needs to be locked up to prevent unauthorized access?

Narcotics require locking up to prevent unauthorized access due to their high potential for abuse and addiction. These medications, which are often prescribed for pain management, can lead to serious health risks if misused. Keeping them secure is vital not only to protect individuals from accidental overdose but also to prevent illicit diversion for recreational use or unlawful distribution.

In contrast, over-the-counter medications do not have the same level of risk associated with misuse and are available for public access without prescription. Antibiotics, while important for treating infections, do not have the same abuse potential as narcotics. Injectable vaccines are also not classified in a manner that raises concerns similar to narcotics; they are typically managed carefully but do not require the same level of security as narcotics. Therefore, the need to lock up narcotics is grounded in their potential for misuse, making tight security essential for public safety.