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.

Learn More
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

Group of Four Professionals in a Corporate Setting sitting in blue chairs

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

Federal Register Notice graphic image with flag, capitol building, and gavel

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

Image of pseudoephedrine label

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Oregon has repealed a 15-year-old law that banned OTC sales of certain medicines for colds and allergies containing PSE.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

Image of pseudoephedrine label

Weekly Voice

The Nation’s Oldest Pseudoephedrine Prescription Law is Repealed

Now from coast-to-coast, it is once again legal to purchase cold and allergy medicines containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine (PSE) over-the-counter (OTC). In a major victory for consumers, 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

Image of pseudoephedrine label

Weekly Voice

Oregon State Legislators Consider Bill Returning Pseudoephedrine (PSE) to OTC Status

On Tuesday, April 13, the Oregon House Committee on Health Care voted unanimously to advance H.B. 2648 to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Apr 14, 2021

Image of U.S. Capitol

Weekly Voice

Congress Returns; Immediate Focus on Infrastructure

This week, the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee is holding a hearing, entitled: "An Epidemic within a Pandemic: Understanding Substance Use and Misuse in America."

Apr 14, 2021

Video

CHPA Monthly Recap March 2021

Apr 7, 2021

patient at pharmacy counter

Weekly Voice

Mississippi Governor Signs Bill Returning PSE to OTC Status

On Wednesday, March 17, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed S.B. 2119, repealing a law that overturns the state’s ban of over-the-counter (OTC) sales of pseudoephedrine (PSE).

Mar 18, 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

Filter Results