Does Dollar Tree carry medicine? Your guide to OTC options and safety

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a past FDA warning issued to Greenbrier International, Inc., which does business as Dollar Tree, the retailer has received over-the-counter drugs from manufacturers with a "pattern of serious violations". Despite these concerns, does Dollar Tree carry medicine on its shelves, and what should consumers know before purchasing?

Quick Summary

Dollar Tree sells a variety of generic over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers, allergy treatments, and cough and cold remedies, at a low cost. However, past FDA warnings have raised questions about product sourcing and safety, necessitating careful scrutiny of active ingredients and expiration dates by consumers.

Key Points

Variety of OTC Medications: Dollar Tree sells generic versions of popular over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, allergies, and coughs under its Assured brand.
Same Active Ingredients: The active ingredients in Dollar Tree's generic medications are often identical to their more expensive name-brand counterparts, providing a low-cost alternative.
Past FDA Warnings: In 2019, the FDA issued a warning to Dollar Tree for sourcing potentially unsafe OTC drugs from foreign manufacturers that failed to meet quality standards.
Check Expiration Dates: Shoppers should always check the expiration date, as dollar stores may receive products with shorter shelf lives.
Inspect Active Ingredients: To ensure effectiveness and safety, always compare the active ingredients listed on Dollar Tree's products with those of brand-name alternatives.
Be Cautious with Supplements: Given the lower FDA oversight of supplements, it is generally recommended to purchase vitamins and herbal products from more trusted retailers.
Not a Pharmacy: Dollar Tree does not sell prescription medications and should not be used as a substitute for a licensed pharmacy.

What Kind of Medicine Does Dollar Tree Sell?

Yes, Dollar Tree does carry a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medications under its house brand, Assured, and other budget-friendly labels. These products are typically generic versions of major brand-name medicines and contain the same active ingredients. The selection can include options for common ailments such as:

Pain and Fever Relief: Dollar Tree offers generic alternatives for popular pain relievers like acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil).
Allergy Medication: Consumers can find allergy relief medicines with active ingredients like cetirizine (similar to Zyrtec), loratadine (similar to Claritin), and diphenhydramine (similar to Benadryl).
Cough, Cold, and Flu Remedies: The store stocks cough syrups (with ingredients like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin) and nasal sprays for congestion relief.
Gastrointestinal Relief: Products for heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomach are also commonly available.
First Aid Products: Beyond internal medications, you can find a variety of first aid supplies, such as antibacterial ointments and hydrocortisone cream.

The All-Important Active Ingredient

A key takeaway for any consumer considering buying medicine from a dollar store is to compare the active ingredients. In many cases, the generic version sold at Dollar Tree will contain the exact same active ingredient as its pricier, name-brand counterpart, though the quantity per package may differ. For example, the Dollar Tree version of Zyrtec contains 10mg of Cetirizine per pill, just like the name brand, but may be sold in a smaller quantity. This allows for a significant cost savings for savvy shoppers.

Past FDA Warnings and Safety Concerns

While the price point is appealing, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of past issues concerning the safety and sourcing of Dollar Tree's medications.

FDA Investigation Details

In November 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Dollar Tree regarding its Assured brand over-the-counter drugs. The FDA found that Dollar Tree was sourcing drugs from foreign manufacturers that had a history of serious violations of manufacturing standards.

Some of the specific violations included:

Failure to test raw materials and finished products to ensure they contained the correct ingredients and quantities.
Falsifying test results.
Failure to check products for contaminants.
Evidence of rodent feces found at one manufacturing facility that could have contaminated products.

Dollar Tree's Response

In response to the warning, Dollar Tree stated that it was cooperating with the FDA and committed to ensuring the safety of its products. The company noted that the medications in question were topical rather than ingestible. However, the FDA’s letter indicated that Dollar Tree had failed to fully follow through on prior commitments to cease purchasing from suppliers who received warning letters. This incident underscores the importance of consumer vigilance, especially with inexpensive products.

How to Shop for Medicine at Dollar Tree Safely

If you choose to purchase medications from Dollar Tree, follow these safety precautions to minimize risk:

Check Expiration Dates: Dollar stores may receive products closer to their expiration date than traditional pharmacies. Always check the date on the packaging and ensure you can use the product before it expires.
Identify Active Ingredients: Read the drug facts panel carefully. Ensure the active ingredients and dosages match the name-brand medication you are seeking. If the ingredients are unfamiliar, it's best to consult a healthcare provider or stick to a trusted source.
Be Skeptical of Supplements: While the FDA regulates OTC drugs differently, it has less oversight over dietary supplements. It is probably safer to purchase vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements from a more trusted retailer to ensure quality and potency.
Look for Verification Seals: For supplements, look for seals from third-party certifiers like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). These seals indicate that the product has been tested for quality, purity, and potency.
Avoid Damaged Packaging: Never purchase any medication with damaged, opened, or tampered-with packaging.

Comparison: Dollar Tree Generic vs. Name Brand


Feature	Dollar Tree Generic (Assured)	Name Brand (e.g., Tylenol, Claritin)
Active Ingredient	Often identical to the name brand.	Standardized and well-known.
Cost	Significantly lower, typically $1.25 per item.	Higher price point.
Quantity	Can be smaller package sizes.	Standard package sizes.
Sourcing & Safety	Past FDA warnings regarding foreign manufacturers. Requires consumer caution.	More stringent oversight of supply chain, generally higher consumer trust.
Packaging	Basic, functional packaging.	Distinctive, branded packaging.
Expiration Date	May be closer to expiration, so check carefully.	Typically has a longer shelf life upon purchase.

Conclusion

Does Dollar Tree carry medicine? Yes, it provides access to a variety of affordable generic over-the-counter medications that can offer significant cost savings. However, this convenience comes with a caveat. Following past FDA warnings about the safety of products sourced from foreign manufacturers, consumers must exercise heightened caution. By diligently checking active ingredients, comparing dosages, and paying close attention to expiration dates, you can make informed decisions to balance budget with health and safety. Always remember that Dollar Tree is not a pharmacy and does not sell prescription medications.

For more information on drug safety and compliance, you can visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dollar Tree is not a pharmacy and does not carry any prescription medications. It only sells a limited selection of over-the-counter drugs.

While Dollar Tree's medications contain the same FDA-approved active ingredients as brand names, past FDA warnings about poor manufacturing practices at foreign suppliers indicate a need for consumer caution. Shoppers should always check for expiration dates and intact packaging.

Dollar Tree sells generic versions of brand-name medications and often purchases them in smaller quantities or from less-expensive suppliers. The lower cost reflects the generic nature and simplified packaging, not necessarily a difference in the active ingredients.

Always check the 'Drug Facts' label to compare the active ingredients and their dosages with the brand-name product you know. Also, inspect the expiration date and ensure the packaging is sealed and undamaged.

No, the potency of the active ingredients is generally the same. By law, generic and brand-name drugs with the same active ingredients must meet the same standards for strength and effectiveness.

Yes, Dollar Tree typically carries some children's liquid medications, such as pain relievers and fever reducers. However, it is essential to check the specific active ingredient and dosage for children's use.

Assured is the house brand for many of Dollar Tree's health and wellness products, including their over-the-counter medications. Past FDA concerns were raised specifically about this brand.