What must an over-the-counter product contain in terms of ephedrine to avoid being classified as a dangerous drug?

To avoid being classified as a dangerous drug, an over-the-counter product must contain less than or equal to 0.5% of ephedrine. This regulation is intended to prevent the misuse of ephedrine, given its potential for abuse and its use in the illicit production of methamphetamine. By establishing this threshold, the law ensures that products can remain accessible for legitimate medical purposes while minimizing the risk of misuse.

In contrast, a product containing more than 0.5% of ephedrine, or that contains only herbal extracts of ephedrine, may either pose a higher risk of abuse or not qualify under the same standards. Similarly, a specific requirement for "exactly 0.5%" does not capture the broader context of allowable concentrations. Thus, maintaining the limit of "less than or equal to 0.5%" provides a clearer and safer regulatory framework for over-the-counter products containing ephedrine.