What is a requirement for purchasing Sudafed?

To purchase Sudafed, which contains pseudoephedrine, a valid government-issued ID is required. This regulation is in place due to the potential misuse of pseudoephedrine in the illegal production of methamphetamine. The inclusion of this requirement serves to ensure that the sale and distribution of the product are monitored, and it helps in tracking the quantity purchased by individuals over time.

When a consumer presents a government-issued ID, it confirms their identity and allows the pharmacy to maintain compliance with controlled purchasing limits set by law. Typically, this means that the purchaser must be at least 18 years old, and the ID verification helps protect against excessive purchase quantities that could indicate illicit use.

Other options do not align with the legal requirements for purchasing this specific product. For example, presenting an insurance card is not a requirement and does not contribute to tracking or identification within the scope of pseudoephedrine purchases. Similarly, a prescription is not necessary for purchasing Sudafed, as it is available over-the-counter but is still regulated. Lastly, referral from another pharmacy is not a part of the purchasing process for purchasing over-the-counter medications, which makes it irrelevant in this context.