What are SLCPs?

What are SLCPs?

• A. Non-prescription drugs that contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
• B. Ephedrine is a controlled substance
• C. Any non-prescription product containing caffeine
• D. A prescription-only drug

Answer: (A)

SLCPs are non-prescription products that contain certain restricted precursor chemicals—specifically ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine. These ingredients can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, so products containing them are subject to extra controls beyond ordinary OTC sales. Because of the potential for misuse, these items are often sold behind the counter, require showing ID, may be logged in a purchase log, and are limited in how much can be bought in a given period. In short, SLCPs are OTC products that include these precursor substances and are regulated to prevent diversion into illegal drug production. The other options don’t describe this category: caffeine-containing products aren’t singled out as SLCPs, ephedrine itself is a chemical used as a precursor rather than the definition of SLCPs, and prescription-only products are not what SLCPs refer to.

SLCPs are non-prescription products that contain certain restricted precursor chemicals—specifically ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine. These ingredients can be used to manufacture methamphetamine, so products containing them are subject to extra controls beyond ordinary OTC sales. Because of the potential for misuse, these items are often sold behind the counter, require showing ID, may be logged in a purchase log, and are limited in how much can be bought in a given period. In short, SLCPs are OTC products that include these precursor substances and are regulated to prevent diversion into illegal drug production. The other options don’t describe this category: caffeine-containing products aren’t singled out as SLCPs, ephedrine itself is a chemical used as a precursor rather than the definition of SLCPs, and prescription-only products are not what SLCPs refer to.