Prescription-only pseudoephedrine will be a priority for Indiana prosecutors during upcoming legislative session

Indiana’s prosecutors say that a ban on over-the-counter sales of a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine will be one of their top priorities in the coming legislative session.

The Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys announced Wednesday they would like a change in state law requiring a doctor’s prescription to purchase pseudoephedrine.

Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin says restricting pseudoephedrine sales would help crack down on the number of meth labs in Indiana.

Critics say the measure is punitive and would force those who are sick to visit a doctor just to fight a common cold.

The ban is one of two items on prosecutors’ agenda. They also are asking lawmakers to stiffen penalties for drug dealers.