Indiana Communities Argue Over Needing A Prescription To Buy Cold Medicine With Pseudoephedrine

Leaders of Indiana communities hit hard by methamphetamine are arguing for a state law requiring prescriptions to buy cold medicine that contains the key meth ingredient pseudoephedrine. Lawmakers don't appear ready to embrace the measure. The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee is considering a bill that would require courts to report felony drug convictions to an electronic system. Those on the list would need prescriptions to purchase pseudoephedrine. A proposed amendment to the bill would make it a prescription-only drug for all consumers. Supporters believe the measure will help curb Indiana's long-running issue with meth. Opponents argue the requirement would burden primary care doctors during the busy cold and flu season and worry that someone without a drug conviction could be mistakenly added to the list.