Tag: Nonprescription drugs

According to the FDA, over-the-counter (OTC) medications allow consumers to safely treat minor health issues without a prescription. But what is the OTC medical term, exactly, and what makes these drugs different from their prescription counterparts? This guide explains the terminology, regulation, and safe usage of nonprescription medicines.

An estimated 81% of adults in the U.S. use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as a first response for minor health issues [1.5.5]. Understanding **what are the rules for proper use of OTC?** is crucial for ensuring safety and effectiveness in self-treatment.

According to the U.S. FDA, drugs that are considered generally recognized as safe and effective can be marketed without a prescription via an OTC monograph. This category of medicine answers the question, "What is a drug that does not need a doctor's prescription?" and covers a vast range of treatments for common ailments.