CHPA welcomes Missouri law expanding OTC cold and allergy med access

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has praised Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe for signing legislation that expands consumer access to over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine while preserving existing safeguards against misuse.

The new law raises Missouri’s annual purchase limit for pseudoephedrine-containing OTC medicines from 43.2 grams to 61.2 grams, while leaving the current daily and monthly purchase limits unchanged. It also requires manufacturers to fund the state’s real-time electronic tracking system starting October 1, 2026.

“Missouri is taking a commonsense approach that improves consumer access to trusted OTC medicines while maintaining strong protections against misuse,” said Carlos Gutiérrez, vice president of state and local government affairs at CHPA. “By increasing purchase limits and reinforcing support for the state’s real-time electronic tracking system, this law strikes the right balance between expanding access for consumers and supporting public safety.”

CHPA said the legislation will help consumers access the medications they need while preserving measures to prevent illegal diversion. The association also credited Sen. Mike Henderson and Rep. Tara Peters for advancing the legislation through the Missouri legislature.

According to CHPA, Missouri previously had the nation’s most restrictive annual purchase limit on pseudoephedrine-containing OTC medicines. The updated law aims to give consumers greater flexibility to purchase cold and allergy medications while supporting the long-term operation of the state’s electronic tracking system.