CHPA Applauds Missouri for Modernizing Access to OTC Cold and Allergy Medicines

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today applauded Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe for signing into law SB 1421, legislation that increases the annual purchase limit for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) while preserving existing daily and monthly purchase limits. The law also requires manufacturers to fund the state's real-time electronic tracking system for these products beginning October 1, 2026, supporting continued efforts to deter misuse while helping ensure consumer access to safe and effective OTC medicines.

"Missouri is taking a commonsense approach that improves consumer access to trusted OTC medicines while maintaining strong protections against misuse," said Carlos Gutiérrez, CHPA Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs. "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. We thank Governor Kehoe for signing this critical legislation into law and commend Senator Mike Henderson and Representative Tara Peters for their leadership in advancing this important measure."

"Missouri had the most restrictive limits on these medications in the country. This law fixes that," said Representative Tara Peters. "Missourians can now access the medications they need, when they need them. And importantly, the safeguards that prevent diversion and abuse remain firmly in place. This is about balance - expanding access for cold and allergy suffering families while keeping the protections our communities depend on."

"Missouri families are already stretched thin in this economy, and the last thing they should have to do is pay for a doctor's visit just to access over-the-counter cold and allergy medications they know work for them," said Senator Mike Henderson. "With this new law, they won't have to. Raising these purchase limits means families can buy medicine for both allergy seasons without breaking the bank or taking time off work to sit in a waiting room. This is common sense relief for their health and their wallets."

Background:

The new law increases Missouri's annual purchase limit for PSE-containing OTC medicines from 43.2 grams to 61.2 grams, helping ensure consumers can continue to access the medications they rely on while maintaining robust safeguards against illegal diversion. The legislation also requires all manufacturers participating in the market to contribute to the funding of Missouri's electronic tracking system, supporting its long-term effectiveness.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.