12:34 PM PDT on Sunday, July 31, 2005

By BRAD CAIN, Associated Press Writer

SALEM -- A plan to make Oregon the first state to require a doctor's prescription for many cold and allergy relief medicines was approved Saturday by the Oregon Senate with the aim of shutting down methamphetamine labs around the state.

AP photo

Boxes of cold medicines are seen from behind a counter at Quisenberry's Pharmacy in downtown Salem.

The bill was endorsed despite complaints that the requirement will put a hardship on law-abiding citizens who can't afford doctor visits.

But backers called it a necessary step to help curb availability of ingredients used to make a drug that's ruining lives — especially those of children who are exposed to toxic chemicals and neglect in homes used as meth labs.

The measure was approved 26-4 and now returns to the Oregon House for action on amendments. It's expected to soon reach the desk of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a strong supporter.

The bill would require prescriptions by mid-2006 for medicines containing pseudoephedrine and two similar substances, used in such popular medicines as Sudafed, Claritin and Theraflu.

Kulongoski issued a statement Saturday saying he was pleased that the Senate had voted strongly for the bill.

"The measure passed in the Senate today will have a significant impact on our state by keeping pseudoephedrine out of the hands of meth cooks," the governor said.

Oregon is among more than a dozen states that have restricted sales of medicines with pseudoephedrine.

Oregon requires that sales of tablets be only in pharmacies and behind the counter, with identification required, under rules adopted by the state Pharmacy Board at Kulongoski's request. The board is moving to impose the same requirement for the medicines in gel cap and liquid form.

In pushing the stronger step of requiring prescriptions for many cold and allergy relief medicines, backers of the bill said the meth problem has become a national scourge.

AP photo

Kandis Hanson, right, talks as she buys cold medicine as store clerk Mary Weathers listens at Quisenberry's Pharmacy in downtown Salem.

They conceded that requiring doctor's approval to obtain some medicines won't eliminate meth in Oregon because much of it is imported.

But they said the aim is to reduce home cooking labs where toxic chemicals are mixed to make the drug, harming children.

They noted that nearly 5,000 children are in foster homes around the state because meth has destroyed their families.

"It's a no-brainer," said Sen. Jeff Kruse, R-Roseburg. "If we can save one meth baby, it will be worth it."

Opponents said it goes too far and that that the public will resent the inconvenience of having to obtain a doctor's prescription.

"Should we pass this legislation today, we are not going to be happy with ourselves down the road," said Sen. Vicki Walker, D-Eugene.

Supporters of the bill said there are alternative products on the market — including those that contain phenylephrine, a version of pseudoephedrine that cannot be converted to methamphetamime.

Besides, they said, any inconvenience will be outweighed by reducing dangers to children and others.

"This is an opportunity for Oregon to step up and lead the nation" in the fight against methamphetamine, said Sen. Alan Bates, D-Ashland.

Lawmakers are completing action on a package of bills to toughen drug laws and provide $7 million for increased spending by the criminal justice system on investigations, prosecution of drug-makers and treatment of meth addicts.

The measures would boost penalties against drug-makers, particularly if children or disabled or elderly people are present at homes where meth is produced.