Does the federal law requiring placement restrictions on pseudoephedrine-containing OTC medicines create a third-class of drugs?
No. The federal law imposing placement restrictions on pseudoephedrine- (PSE-) containing OTC medicines is part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) Controlled Substances Act. While FDA maintains that PSE is a safe and effective medication appropriate for over-the-counter sales, the ingredient’s current status reflects the fact that criminal elements are diverting it in order to manufacture the illegal and dangerous drug, methamphetamine. By placing medicines with PSE behind pharmacy or other counters or in locked cases and limiting the amount of product that can be purchased, the DEA in effect is requiring pharmacists and other retailers to assist law enforcement in curbing the criminal production of illicit methamphetamine. It has nothing to do with utilizing pharmacists to provide consumers with any health information regarding the appropriate use of PSE-containing medicines.
