What substance is classified as a schedule III narcotic and is a synthetic testosterone abused by athletes?

The correct choice identifies anabolic steroids as substances that fit the criteria outlined in the question. Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, designed to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance. They are classified under schedule III controlled substances primarily because they have a potential for abuse, although this potential is lower than that of substances categorized under schedules I and II.

Athletes often misuse anabolic steroids to gain a competitive edge in sports due to their muscle-building properties. This type of abuse raises significant health concerns, leading to various side effects and potential long-term consequences. Understanding this classification is important in the context of both pharmacology and sports medicine, as it relates to the ethical implications and health risks associated with performance enhancement tactics.

In terms of the other choices, androgenic steroids may refer to any class of steroids that influence male characteristics but do not specifically capture the aspect of muscle enhancement as an anabolic steroid does. Prescription drugs can encompass a wide range of medications, but they do not adequately specify the category of substances that are synthetic testosterone used for abuse. Brand name drugs are commercial names given to drugs, which may include both anabolic and non-anabolic substances, but again do not directly address the question regarding the specific type of narcotic and its classification as a controlled substance.