True or False, Pseudoephedrine quantity restrictions apply to both prescription and OTC purchases?

The statement regarding pseudoephedrine quantity restrictions being applicable to both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) purchases is false. In the context of North Carolina and federal regulations, pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold and allergy medications, has specific legal restrictions primarily focused on OTC sales.

For OTC purchases, there are established limits on the amount of pseudoephedrine a person can buy within a certain timeframe—typically a maximum of 3.6 grams per day and 9 grams within a 30-day period for an individual. These restrictions are in place as part of efforts to control the production of methamphetamine, which can be synthesized from large quantities of pseudoephedrine.

In contrast, prescription purchases do not typically fall under the same quantity limitations, since prescriptions are managed and monitored by healthcare providers, allowing for more flexibility based on individual patient needs. Consequently, health practitioners can prescribe quantities relevant for the treatment of specific conditions without the same restrictions that apply to OTC purchases.

Therefore, the assertion that pseudoephedrine quantity restrictions apply to both types of purchases is inaccurate, and the correct answer identifies this distinction.