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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FDA Annual Forecast

The Annual Forecast for Planned Monograph Activities describes planned monograph activities that FDA intends to address over the ensuing three years.

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Critical Ingredients & Chemicals

Federal oversight by the FDA ensures that ingredients and chemical additives used in vital healthcare products available to consumers, like nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and medical devices, routinely undergo the most rigorous safety evaluations.

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Health In Hand Website

The Health In Hand Foundation’s mobile-friendly website, HealthInHand.org, provides consumers with easily accessible information and guidance on how to safely use, store, and dispose of self-care products.

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Preventing Illegal Meth Production

CHPA is committed to advancing solutions to illegal sales that penalize criminals and ensure law-abiding consumers continue to have access to a wide range of treatment options, including nonprescription medicines containing PSE.

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Background Summary: Risks Associated with Codeine-Containing Cough Medicine

This Proposed Safety Administrative Order addresses the GRASE status of codeine, codeine phosphate, and codeine sulfate as antitussive active ingredients.

Image of pseudoephedrine label
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.

meth crystals in a plastic bag on a dark background
Voluntary Guidelines for Anti-Smurfing

Manufacturers have developed an anti-smurfing educational program for the retail setting that is voluntary and offered to retailers at no cost. The intent is to educate potential illegal purchasers about related criminal penalties and how the real-time, stop-sale system works.

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State Government Reports

View members-only reports outlining progress on CHPA state legislative priorities.

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