Over-the-counter

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Over-the-counter (OTC) refers to the sale of pharmaceutical drugs that can be bought without a prescription. The term is used in contrast to prescription drugs which require a doctor's prescription before they can be purchased.

Pronunciation

• /ˌoʊvər ðə ˈkaʊntər/

Etymology

The term "over-the-counter" originates from the practice of selling medication over the counter of a pharmacy or drugstore, as opposed to requiring a prescription.

Related Terms

• Prescription drug
• Pharmacy
• Drugstore
• Pharmacist
• Medication
• Non-prescription drug

See Also

• List of over-the-counter drugs
• Regulation of therapeutic goods
• Food and Drug Administration

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Over-the-counter
• Wikipedia's article - Over-the-counter

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