Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Moves to Curb Pseudoephedrin

Early in the week, Sudafed manufacturer Pfiser announced it will begin offering the medication in a new formula that doesn't include any pseudoephedrine, a compound commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetimine. It's about time. Unfortunately, Pfiser will continue to offer the old formula as well.

No sooner was this news out, than stories began popping up in many states about lawmakers seeking to ban or restrict the decongestant pseudoephedrine , a key ingredient in the manufacture of meth. Here's a round-up of links:

Idaho: Lawmakers are introducing a bill that would treat pseudoephedrine as a controlled substance. The measure would require customers wanting pills containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine to be sold by a pharmacist and would require customers to sign for the medication.

Texas: Under the legislation by Sen. Craig Estes, no one would be able to buy drugs with pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed, in Texas. But he said consumers could still buy other congestion remedies containing the decongestant, as long as it is mixed into capsules and cough syrups. I'm not sure how good a solution that is!

Kansas: Efforts are underway to tighten controls of pseudoephedrine in the state, after a similar law was passed in Oklahoma -- driving meth manufacturers across the border to buy the stuff, and bring all their drug-related problems with them.

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