Pseudoephedrine is used in many common over-the-counter medicines to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis and other respiratory allergies.

Pharmacists and the police are putting the finger on these medicines because they can be manufactured into illegal drugs.

Pharmacy Guild manager of training and human resources Sue Bond said pharmacists are now required to ask a series of questions to determine if a legitimate need exists.

"Although the changes might cause some minor inconveniences for legitimate customers, this greatly outweighs the social benefits of limiting the supply of the products," she said.

"The use of methylamphetamine and other illicit drugs is a major problem for our community. These drugs that criminals produce have a high risk of addiction and can cause hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, depression, violent behaviour and

death from heart failure and suicide."

Before the change, pharmacy staff could sell the medicines over-the-counter. They are now scheduled three, which means consumers need to talk to the pharmacist when requesting a product.

Medicines that contain a large quantity of pseudoephedrine are scheduled four and must be prescribed by a doctor, while medicines scheduled eight require a doctor prescription and authority by the government.

Ms Bond said medicines at the supermarket are unscheduled and do not contain pseudoephedrine.

Pharmacists in the Hepburn Shire supported the changes saying it would reduce the chances of illicit drug manufacturing.

Jeff Unmack from Creswick Pharmacy said consulting consumers would be extra work but it was important to reduce the chances of people getting it.

"It's an ongoing issue. On January 1 all medicines containing pseudoephedrine were removed out of earshot. On April 1 there were further restrictions on big packets," he said.