Alabama Approves Restriction of Cold, Allergy Meds

The legislation applies to allergy and cold medication that has ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which can be used to make the drug meth.

April 25, 2012

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama House and Senate have approved a bill that restricts the sale of allergy and cold medications that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, the Associated Press reports. The move is an attempt to curb production of the illegal drug methamphetamine (crystal meth).

Gov. Robert Bentley is looking over the bill before he decides whether or not to sign it, said Jennifer Ardis, the governor??s press secretary. The legislation is the latest attempt to root out meth manufacturing.

Rep. Blaine Galliher, who sponsored the bill, said allergy and cold medications with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine could only be sold in stores with pharmacies; the medicines would be behind the counter. Small retailers and convenience stores would be prohibited from carrying those medications.

"Alabama has an epidemic of meth in all 67 counties," said state Sen. Roger Bedford, who was unsuccessful in trying to get the Senate to add a prescription requirement to the bill.

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