Dextromethorphan Distribution Act reintroduced

WASHINGTON U.S. Reps. Fred Upton, R-Mich., and Rick Larsen, D-Wash. earlier this week re-introduced legislation, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act, that would restrict the distribution of raw dextromethorphan, a cough cold ingredient that has been the focus of teen drug abuse in the past, to entities registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

The legislation ensures that only legitimate entities registered with FDA or a state agency such as scientists, researchers or manufacturers, can purchase raw, unfinished dextromethorphan, the most dangerous form of the ingredient when abused. Currently, there are no national sales or purchase restrictions for dextromethorphan in this form.

This is the third time this legislation, which enjoys support from such industry associations as the Consumer Healthcare Products Association and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress.

It has passed the U.S. House of Representatives twice, but failed to move forward before the close of both the 109th and 110th Congresses.

“We fervently hope that the third time’s the charm for this important measure to get passed into law and start protecting our nation’s children,” said Linda Suydam, CHPA president. “CHPA’s support for this legislation is one part of a comprehensive approach to preventing the abuse of dextromethorphan in any form.”