Pseudoephedrine Laws by State 2025

State Sale Limits

States have varying regulations regarding pseudoephedrine and ephedrine sales. These drugs are found in certain sinus and bronchial decongestants, though they are not the primary treatment for allergies. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug used as a nasal decongestant, which reduces nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels. It is commonly found in medications for sinus congestion and bronchial relief. While not an allergy treatment itself, it is sometimes combined with antihistamines in allergy medications to help relieve nasal symptoms.

Each state enforces restrictions on pseudoephedrine sales, with federal law limiting purchases to 3.6 grams per day and 9 grams per 30 days. Some states impose stricter rules, such as requiring a prescription. These limits are based on the total pseudoephedrine content rather than the number of bottles or packs. While pseudoephedrine remains available over the counter in most states, purchases require ID verification and tracking at the pharmacy counter.

The DEA and Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005

Although this issue has been occurring for many years, it was made popular with the public with the Netflix/AMC series Breaking Bad, which brought to light different “cooks” or methods that illegal markets and organizations use to make methamphetamine (Meth). Pseudoephedrine is a vital ingredient for certain types of meth, which can be created and distributed among many territories.

The DEA announced in 2005 that they had released the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which was signed into law on March 9, 2006, as part of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act, and it took effect on September 30, 2006. The law called for comprehensive control and review of how pseudoephedrine and other related drugs are sold, distributed, and manufactured. Although the initial review included making this drug available only through prescription, the law ultimately restricted purchases but allowed continued over-the-counter sales with ID verification and tracking. Without access to this medication—especially over the counter—individuals with chronic sinus conditions, asthma, and severe allergies may experience worsening symptoms, which could lead to health complications if not properly managed with alternative treatments.

Furthermore, those who require prescription drugs are also controlled and limited. This is because drug dealers tend to use “mules” or civilians who are bribed, coerced, or manipulated into purchasing large quantities of pseudoephedrine-containing medications to hand over the majority of them to drug cartels in order to boost the production of meth. While this still occurs, the act has greatly reduced the amount of pseudoephedrine in circulation, which has curbed certain “cooking methods” of street meth.

Those With Nasal Problems

At the time of release, the FDA and DEA released multiple statements alerting customers to read what is on the label. For example, certain pharmaceutical companies voluntarily removed pseudoephedrine from their formulations in order to avoid compliance with federal restrictions, as this would hurt both the bottom and top line of their balance sheets. Certain states already concerned with drug sales within their jurisdictions were hardly affected, as their strongest policies were already in effect to control over-the-counter medications for street drugs and other problems. While multiple states have strict laws on drug trafficking, Florida is known for particularly severe penalties related to drug possession and distribution.