Final answer:
The quantity of Sudafed that can be sold to a patient is determined by the prescription provided by the healthcare provider. OTC drugs like aspirin have specific purchase limits, but prescription drugs are dispensed according to the therapeutic needs as indicated in the Rx.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question raised pertains to the amount of Sudafed that can be sold to a patient with a prescription (Rx). Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin do not require a prescription and have a specific purchase limit based on regulations. However, for prescription medicines like Sudafed, which contains pseudoephedrine, the amount dispensed is determined by the prescriber's instructions on the Rx.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates both OTC and prescription drugs, but when a medication requires monitoring by a healthcare provider, it becomes a prescription drug. With a valid prescription, patients can purchase the quantity of Sudafed specified by their healthcare provider, which is intended to meet their therapeutic needs.
In some states, pseudoephedrine-containing products are also subject to specific sales limits due to their potential use in the illicit production of methamphetamine. Pharmacists must comply with these limits, even when filling a prescription.