What is the minimum age requirement for purchasing OTC CV medications?

The minimum age requirement for purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) Schedule V (CV) medications is 18 years old. This regulation helps ensure that individuals purchasing these medications are legally recognized as adults, capable of making informed decisions regarding their own healthcare. Schedule V medications can contain substances that, while generally seen as lower risk, can still lead to misuse or health issues if not used appropriately.

The relevance of setting the age at 18 aligns with other legal age restrictions, such as voting and alcohol purchase, promoting a consistent legal framework surrounding the responsibility of adult decision-making. Additionally, requiring purchasers to be at least 18 helps to minimize potential abuse or misuse of these medications, which, despite being available without a prescription, can have potential side effects or interactions.

In contrast, there are no federal regulations that impose an age limit on buying Schedule V medications, leading many to adopt the minimum age of 18 for these types of sales. Understanding this requirement is crucial for pharmacy practice, compliance, and maintaining an ethical approach toward medication accessibility while ensuring safety for all consumers.