Final answer:
Nonprescription products with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine must be stored behind the pharmacy counter or in a locked cabinet, requiring a photo ID and signature for purchase, due to their potential use in making methamphetamine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonprescription products containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine must be kept behind the pharmacy counter or in a locked cabinet, accessible only by pharmacy staff. This requirement is due to the potential for these substances to be used in the illegal production of methamphetamine.
Both pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are active ingredients found in over-the-counter (OTC) medications used for relieving nasal or sinus congestion. However, due to their chemical properties, these substances can be diverted for the synthesis of methamphetamine, a powerful and illegal stimulant.
Regulations stipulate that customers must present a photo ID, sign a logbook, and are subject to purchase quantity restrictions to buy these products. These measures have been implemented to monitor and control the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine-containing medications and to combat the illegal methamphetamine production.