Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are nasal decongestants used either alone or in combination with analgesics or other active ingredients for the symptomatic relief of colds, flu and other similar conditions. The majority of products are available without prescription and there is a range of pack sizes available covering solid dosage forms and liquid formulations.

Pharmacies in Australia and the USA have long been battling
against criminals who divert pseudoephedrine-based products to illegally produce amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) such as the drug, methamphetamine (or methylamphetamine), also known as ‘Crystal Meth’ or ‘Ice’. In 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranked ATS as the world’s second most widely abused drug type after cannabis. It reported that the expansion of illicit trade in such substances and the high profit generated by that trade poses an increasing threat to security and health worldwide.