What is required for a pharmacist to sell OTC dextromethorphan to a purchaser who appears under 25?

For a pharmacist to sell OTC dextromethorphan to a purchaser who appears to be under 25 years old, it is essential to obtain reasonable assurance that the purchaser is at least 25. This requirement aligns with regulations aimed at preventing misuse of dextromethorphan, a substance commonly abused for its psychoactive effects.

Pharmacists have a responsibility to ensure that they are adhering to legal requirements regarding the sale of certain over-the-counter medications, which may have age restrictions due to their potential for abuse. In this case, the guidance specifies that pharmacists should exercise due diligence in establishing the age of the buyer.

While monitoring the purchaser’s ID and age verification processes are always important, a simple written verification or a background check is not necessary in this context. Instead, the focal point is the pharmacist's professional judgment in assuring that the individual is of legal or appropriate age to purchase the product. Thus, before selling dextromethorphan, the pharmacist must take steps to confirm age in a manner that offers a reasonable level of assurance without necessarily requiring formal documented proof.