PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsMedium

A pharmacy technician is stocking non-prescription medications. They come across a product containing pseudoephedrine. Under federal law, what is the maximum amount of pseudoephedrine a customer can purchase in a single day?

  1. A3.6 grams
  2. B7.5 grams
  3. C9 grams
  4. D12 grams
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 3.6 grams

The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (CMEA) limits the daily purchase of pseudoephedrine to 3.6 grams per customer.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. This is the 30-day limit for mail-order sales.
  • C. This is the 30-day limit for retail sales.
  • D. This amount exceeds all federal limits.

Pseudoephedrine Sales Limits

Federal law (CMEA) restricts the amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased by an individual to combat illicit methamphetamine production.

  • Daily limit: 3.6 grams per purchaser.
  • 30-day limit (retail): 9 grams per purchaser.
  • 30-day limit (mail-order): 7.5 grams per purchaser.
  • Requires purchaser ID and signature, and sales log.

Memory trick: Pseudoephedrine: 3.6 daily, 9 monthly, log it!

More Federal Requirements questions