Which of the following is a key characteristic of Schedule III medications?

Schedule III medications are classified as having a moderate potential for abuse compared to substances in Schedule I and II, which have a higher potential for addiction and misuse. This classification indicates that while these substances can be abused, they also have accepted medical uses, making them subject to less stringent regulations than more dangerous drugs. Examples of Schedule III medications include anabolic steroids and certain pain medications that are not as tightly controlled as those in Schedules I and II.

The other options do not accurately describe Schedule III medications. For instance, they are not completely unrestricted, as there are still regulations governing their prescription and dispensing. They are also not used primarily for experimental purposes, as they are approved for specific therapeutic uses. Lastly, Schedule III medications do have recognized medical purposes, which differentiates them from drugs classified as having no medical use. Thus, the defining characteristic of Schedule III medications is their moderate potential for abuse, alongside their accepted medical applications.