OTC Cold Medicine Sales Restricted Under Proposed Meth Bill

A bipartisan bill proposing sales restrictions on certain cold medicines commonly used to produce methamphetamine is gaining steam in the Senate, much to the chagrin of advocacy organizations that contend the proposal would limit consumer access to popular cold treatments such as Sudafed and Tylenol flu medicine.

The Combat Meth Act, S. 103, introduced by Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) and co-sponsored by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), would curb methamphetamine ("meth") production by moving OTC products containing pseudoephedrine, the illegal drug's primary ingredient, behind pharmacy counters. The proposal would require purchasers of products containing pseudoephedrine to show identification and sign for the drugs through a pharmacist.

This action would remove popular cold remedies from the shelves of retail pharmacies and convenience stores, an action opposed by certain consumer groups. "We're promoting alternatives that address mass abuse, demand reduction and provide adequate funding for law enforcement," said Elizabeth Assey, communications director for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.

Any legislation proposed by Congress should strike a balance between the needs of consumers who purchase cold remedies in good faith and those who abuse the medication with the intent to produce meth, Assey said. "You need a comprehensive approach."