Lawmakers to vote on bill restricting cough medicines

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Senators are nearing a deal on this year's answer to Indiana's methamphetamine problem, but it still faces pressure from pharmaceutical lobbyists who oppose restrictions on medicine containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in meth production.

Republican Sen. Randy Head of Logansport says pharmaceutical companies have criticized a provision in the bill that sets a dosage limit for the medicine on customers who pharmacies are unfamiliar with. Pharmaceutical companies stand to lose money from restrictions on sales.

Under the measure, people who regularly visit pharmacies would not be affected. New customers could still buy a limited dosage of pseudoephedrine or could obtain a prescription to get the full legal dosage.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the final version of the bill Thursday, which is the last day of the session.