States Battling Meth May Put Controls on Cold Pills
By Stephanie Simon
Times Staff Writer

January 10, 2005

ST. LOUIS-- Over-the-counter cold pills may be removed from store shelves across much of the Southwest and Midwest this year as officials struggle to crack down on methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that can be brewed from decongestants and other common household items.

At least 20 states are considering tight restrictions on access to Sudafed, NyQuil, Claritin-D, Tylenol Flu and hundreds of other cold, allergy and sinus remedies that contain pseudoephedrine.

Details vary, but in many states only pharmacists or their assistants would be allowed to dispense the medicines.

Customers would have to show identification-- and even enter their addresses in a law enforcement database. Some states may also restrict purchases to as few as two to three boxes a month.

In most cases, the controls would apply only to pseudoephedrine tablets; gel caps and liquid formulas are generally exempt because it's much harder to convert them to illegal drugs.

The pharmaceutical industry strongly opposes the proposed restrictions, arguing that they would inconvenience legitimate customers, especially in rural areas, where the nearest pharmacy may be 40 miles away and open only on weekdays. The trade association representing chain drugstores also plans to lobby against the legislative action. So do some convenience store owners.

Despite this opposition, lawmakers in state after state say they are confident that the measures will pass with broad bipartisan support. Two Republican and two Democratic governors have promised to press for the restrictions.