Meth Fears Drive Cold Drug Limits

Pharmacies Push Law Putting Common Medicines Behind The Counter

(AP) 
Now, however, "It's time for a federal solution," said Mary Ann Wagner, vice president for pharmacy regulatory affairs at the association.

Wagner said companies that run pharmacies in different states have to deal with a variety of laws regarding pseudoephedrine sales. Six states allow only pharmacies to sell drugs with pseudoephedrine; seven others make retailers lock up the products or sell them from staffed counters. Legislatures in 22 states are considering similar restrictions.

"There's got to be a standardized way to do this," Wagner said.

The Drug Enforcement Administration reported that more than 7,000 meth labs were dismantled nationwide in 2003.

According to the White House Office of National Drug Policy, meth is a highly addictive stimulant. Chronic abuse can lead to psychotic behavior, including intense paranoia, hallucinations and out-of-control rages.

Last week Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kmart Holding Corp., CVS Corp., Rite Aid Corp. and Walgreen Co. announced they will move medications with pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters. Target Corp. and Albertson's Inc. had already made such a move.

All seven companies are members of the drugstore association, along with nearly 200 other chains.