What is Over-the-counter drug?
[[File:Regular strength enteric coated aspirin tablets.jpg|thumb|[[Acetylsalicylic acid]] tablets (''Aspirin'') are a common over-the-counter drug]] '''Over-the-counter drugs''' (OTC) are drugs that do not need a [[prescription]] to be bought. When they are properly used, these drugs do not put the health of the patient in [[danger]]. Many OTC drug ingredients which were prescription drugs are now considered safe enough for use without a prescription. In many countries, there are special government agencies that regulate OTC drugs, such as the [[Food and Drug Administration]] and the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] in the United States. Certain drugs are classified as over-the counter drugs, but may only be given by a pharmacist. This is often the case with [[emergency contraception]] [[medicine]]. It may also be the case that a small packet of a certain drug is available over the counter, but that larger packets require a prescription. ==Related pages== *[[Pharmacy]] {{med-stub}} [[Category:Pharmacy]]