The Commission for Human Medicines (CHM) of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced that cold and flu remedies containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine will remain as pharmacy (P) medicines after tighter controls were found to minimise the misuse of these ingredients in the illegal manufacture of methylamphetamine (crystal meth).

According to the report by the MHRA, following a public consultation in 2007, the CHM had advised that if tighter controls for sale of pseudoephedrine containing products had not reduced the risk of misuse, then the products would be reclassified as prescription only medicines. However, following reports that pharmacies have seen a 25% drop in sales of pseudoephedrine tablets and capsules, the MHRA has concluded that these products will remain pharmacy medicines.

In response, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued a statement highlighting that a pseudoephedrine training pack for staff is available at www.npa.co.uk/members.