New federal restrictions ban some cold medicines

  • Published
  • By 31st Medical Group
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  People who have gone to the commissary or base exchange for cold medicine in the past month may have had a difficult time finding pseudoephedrine or pseudoephedrine-containing products.

Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter decongestant that has typically been available in many popular cough, cold and allergy products.

However, pseudoephedrine is also one of the principle products used in the manufacture of the illegal drug methamphetamine. As a result, the federal government established the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act. This act went into full effect Sept. 30, and it restricts the sale and dispensing of pseudoephedrine products.

While pseudoephedrine is still available in retail pharmacies without a prescription, it must be maintained behind the pharmacy counter and customers must present a photo ID and sign a log in order to purchase the products.

To comply with these new federal requirements, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service has removed pseudoephedrine-containing products from its stores. Since base exchanges don't have separate pharmacy counters for storage and dispensing, pseudoephedrine products cannot be purchased from AAFES retailers.

Several manufacturers have reformulated their products and replaced pseudoephedrine with another decongestant, phenylephrine.

Phenylephrine products are available at AAFES stores for purchase without restrictions. Consumers should read product labels carefully as the dosage for phenylephrine is not the same as pseudoephedrine.

Other alternatives for stuffy noses and sinus pressure relief include decongestant nasal sprays as well as saline nasal drops. Patients with persistent symptoms despite the use of these products should consult their health care provider to discuss their options.

Additionally, patients with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma should consult a medical professional prior to beginning any new over-the-counter therapy.

For more information, call the medical appointment line at Ext. 5000 or the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-877-660.