PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsEasy
A pharmacy technician is assisting a patient who wants to purchase a cough syrup containing dextromethorphan. The patient also asks if they can purchase a box of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and a bottle of Tylenol PM (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine). Which of these medications is subject to federal sales restrictions due to its potential use in illicit drug manufacturing?
- ADiphenhydramine
- BDextromethorphan
- CPseudoephedrine
- DAcetaminophen
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, making it subject to federal sales restrictions under the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA) of 2005.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, not restricted for illicit manufacturing.
- B. Dextromethorphan can be abused but is not federally restricted due to illicit drug manufacturing potential.
- D. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic, not restricted for illicit manufacturing.
Pseudoephedrine Federal Restrictions
Federal law (Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005) restricts the sale of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine due to their use as precursors in methamphetamine production.
- Requires behind-the-counter placement.
- Mandates ID verification and logbook entry for sales.
- Imposes daily and monthly sales limits.
Memory trick: CMEA: Combat Meth Epidemic, Control Ephedrine, Monitor Sales.