Where must pseudoephedrine be located in a pharmacy?

In a pharmacy, pseudoephedrine must be placed behind the counter to ensure controlled access and monitoring. This requirement stems from concerns regarding the abuse potential of pseudoephedrine, as it is a precursor chemical used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. By keeping it behind the counter, only authorized pharmacy personnel can sell it, which allows for an effective system of tracking sales and monitoring customer purchases.

Maintaining pseudoephedrine in a restricted area also minimizes the potential for theft or misuse, satisfying both federal and state regulations designed to control substances that can be misused. This access restriction is a key part of the legislation intended to mitigate the risks associated with the substance while allowing legitimate access for consumers in need of treatment for conditions such as nasal congestion.

Other locations for storing pseudoephedrine, such as on the sales floor, in a locked cabinet, or in a separate room, either do not provide adequate control over access or fail to meet regulatory requirements designed for products with potential for abuse.