Under federal laws, pseudoephedrine must be kept behind the counter or in a locked case:

• A. Behind the counter or locked case
• B. On open shelves
• C. In vending machines
• D. In general pharmacy display

Answer: (A)

Pseudoephedrine is tightly regulated because it can be illegally used to manufacture methamphetamine. Federal law requires it to be kept behind the counter or in a locked cabinet to limit access and allow proper monitoring. When it’s behind the counter or locked, a pharmacist or trained staff can verify the purchaser’s identity, enforce purchase limits, and record the transaction (often in an electronic system or logbook). This setup helps prevent over-purchasing and diversion, and it keeps the products out of easy reach from casual browsing.

Keeping pseudoephedrine on open shelves, in vending machines, or in a general pharmacy display would make it too easy to obtain without oversight, which is why those options don’t fit federal requirements.