Overview of Over-the-counter Drugs for Common Health Conditions

Over-the-counter drugs are medications that can be purchased without a prescription, typically used for minor ailments and health issues.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available without a prescription at pharmacies and retail stores.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Over-the-counter Drugs FAQ


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What is an 'over the counter' medicine?

Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) are medicines that are not prescription medicines and are not complementary medicines. OTC medicines can be supplied as: general sales medicines that are not included in any of the Schedules to the Poisons Standard.

What are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be sold directly to people without a prescription. OTC medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, and others. Some OTC medicines have active ingredients with the potential for misuse at higher-than-recommended dosages.

What is the difference between over-the-counter and prescription drugs?

The term over-the-counter ( OTC) refers to a medication that can be purchased without a medical prescription. In contrast, prescription drugs require a prescription from a doctor or other health care professional and should only be used by the prescribed individual.

What are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

, PharmD, University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those available without a prescription. OTC drugs enable people to relieve many annoying symptoms and to cure some diseases simply and without the cost of seeing a doctor.

Are over-the-counter medicines prescription medicines?

Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) are not prescription medicines or complementary medicines.

Over-the-counter Drugs References

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