Which of the following best describes the legal status of ephedrine-containing products that fall under the dangerous drug exemption?

The legal status of ephedrine-containing products that fall under the dangerous drug exemption is best described as being available over-the-counter without restriction. This indicates that while ephedrine may have potential for misuse and isn’t classified as a controlled substance, it can be sold to consumers without the need for a prescription. Such products, when used as intended, have legitimate medical uses and are accessible to the public for self-treatment of certain conditions such as nasal congestion.

In contrast to this, requiring a prescription implies that there would be more significant restrictions and medical oversight, which is not the case for ephedrine-containing products under this exemption. The other options, such as limiting availability to pharmaceutical formulations or restricting use only in hospitals, do not accurately reflect the more accessible legal status of such products as they are designed for broader consumer access in over-the-counter settings.