Who is primarily responsible for enforcing age restrictions on OTC dextromethorphan sales?

The primary responsibility for enforcing age restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) dextromethorphan typically falls to pharmacists. This is because pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of the medications being sold, including the regulations surrounding their sale. They play a crucial role in ensuring that such regulations are adhered to and can educate both customers and staff about the potential risks associated with improper use of dextromethorphan, especially in minors.

Pharmacists are also often involved in the decision-making process regarding the sale of pharmaceutical products and can refuse to sell a product if they believe it is being purchased illicitly or irresponsibly. Their training includes knowledge of state and federal laws concerning the sale of medications, including age restrictions, which enables them to effectively monitor compliance in their pharmacies. Moreover, pharmacists have an established supervisory relationship with pharmacy staff, emphasizing the importance of adhering to such regulations.

While other roles in a pharmacy, such as store managers, cashiers, or compliance officers, may support or assist in enforcing policies, it is the pharmacist who has the ultimate profession-based authority and responsibility to ensure compliance with legal requirements regarding medication sales, including those involving age restrictions.