The transition of Sudafed from a common shelf item to a strictly regulated, "behind-the-counter" medication represents a significant shift in American drug policy. Historically, pseudoephedrine was as accessible as any other over-the-counter decongestant. However, its chemical properties as a methamphetamine precursor necessitated a legislative response that balanced public health with consumer access.
In the United States, you must be at least to purchase Sudafed and other products containing pseudoephedrine over the counter. Because pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine, federal law requires retailers to keep these products "behind the counter" and verify the buyer's age and identity with a government-issued photo ID. Federal and State Requirements age to buy sudafed
: In some states, a person under 18 may still obtain the medication if they have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider. Why the Age Restriction Exists The transition of Sudafed from a common shelf