PSE (Pseudoephedrine)

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a safe and effective active ingredient found in leading cold, allergy, and sinus medicines to provide congestion relief. While over 18 million American families rely on these medicines every year, PSE can also be used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. As a result, some policymakers and law enforcement officials in a number of states support requiring a doctor’s prescription to obtain PSE-containing medicines, even though the vast majority of these medicines are sold to law-abiding consumers.

Preventing Illegal Meth Production

CHPA takes the diversion of its members' medicines very seriously and remains committed to working with elected officials to ensure states have the necessary tools to combat illegal sales of PSE. Mandating prescription-only sale of these common cold medicines, however, would be ineffective and burden those who depend on these medicines for relief with unnecessary and costly visits to the doctor.

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Pseudoephedrine in the States

The bipartisan federal Combat Meth Epidemic Act strikes the proper policy balance between restricting pseudoephedrine access for illicit use without unduly burdening consumers seeking safe, effective cold relief. Therefore, state legislators should refrain from overriding federal guidelines requiring prescriptions for these legitimate over-the-counter medications.

Mississippi Repeals PSE Bill

The new law returns PSE to OTC status allowing consumers to purchase 3.6 grams of PSE per day, up to 7.2 grams per month.

Mar 17, 2021

Browse PSE (Pseudoephedrine) Content

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Research Reports

CHPA Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Regulatory Landscape Scan

The purpose of this cybersecurity and data privacy regulatory scan is to understand the current and forthcoming regulatory landscape related to cybersecurity and consumer data privacy.

Jan 20, 2023

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Newsletters

Federal Register (FR) Notices, September 10, 2021

Here are the Federal Register notice summary excerpts that might be of interest to you or others within your organization. Please see notices for complete details.

Sep 8, 2021

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Press Releases and Statements

Oregon Repeal of Unnecessary OTC Restrictions is a Dose of Good Policy for Consumers and Healthcare

Oregon has repealed a 15-year-old law that banned OTC sales of certain medicines for colds and allergies containing PSE.

Jun 17, 2021

Video

States Reject Prescription Policies for PSE

Jun 17, 2021

Video

CHPA Monthly Recap March 2021

Apr 7, 2021

patient at pharmacy counter

Press Releases and Statements

Major Victory for Consumer Access to OTC Medicine in Mississippi

In a major victory for consumer health, today Mississippi has repealed an 11-year-old law that banned over-the-counter (OTC) sales of certain medicines for colds and allergies containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine (PSE).

Mar 17, 2021

Video

Mississippi Repeals PSE Bill

The new law returns PSE to OTC status allowing consumers to purchase 3.6 grams of PSE per day, up to 7.2 grams per month.

Mar 17, 2021

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Submission

Comments to DEA: Quotas for Controlled Substances and List I Chemicals

The DEA invited comments on the proposed rule to revise existing regulations that manage quotas for controlled substances and List I chemicals held by DEA-registered manufacturers. We have comments on three areas within the proposed rule.

Dec 23, 2019

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Research Reports

Summary and Statutes of State Pseudoephedrine Sales Restrictions

State by state listing of PSE sales restrictions.

Aug 1, 2018

New Hampshire State Capitol

Press Releases and Statements

New Hampshire Adopts Real-Time, Stop-Sale, Retail Tech to Prevent Illegal Sales of Pseudoephedrine

CHPA applauds New Hampshire for becoming the 35th state to adopt the real-time, stop-sale technology called the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), a system used by retailers across the country to help prevent the illegal sale of pseudoephedrine.

Jun 7, 2018

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