non-prescription
Available without doctor
Non-prescription describes medications or treatments available without a doctor's prescription: non-prescription pain relievers, non-prescription allergy medication.
The term is interchangeable with over-the-counter but sounds more formal, appearing often in medical and regulatory contexts.
Pain-relieving medication
- antihistamineDrug blocking allergic response
- decongestantDrug reducing nasal swelling
- antacidSubstance neutralizing stomach sourness
- laxativePromotes intestinal evacuation
ibuprofen · acetaminophen · aspirin · paracetamol · lozenges · eye-drops · melatonin · topical
Buyable without medical authorization
- drugstoreRetail pharmacy outlet
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
- supermarketSelf-service food retailer
- groceryFood retail shop
bodega · chemist · checkout · shelf · aisle · purchase · consumer · accessible
Extra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- probioticsLive microorganisms aiding digestion
- herbalRelating to medicinal plants
homeopathic · holistic · natural · remedy · tincture · echinacea · zinc · elderberry
Not controlled by rules
- unrestrictedHaving no limitations
- self-medicateTreat ailments without supervision
- FDAU.S. health regulator
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
interactions · contraindications · misuse · safe · approved
analgesic
Pain-relieving medication
- antihistamineDrug blocking allergic response
- decongestantDrug reducing nasal swelling
- antacidSubstance neutralizing stomach sourness
laxative · ibuprofen · acetaminophen · aspirin · paracetamol · lozenges · eye-drops · melatonin · topical · ointment
over-the-counter
Buyable without medical authorization
- drugstoreRetail pharmacy outlet
- pharmacyMedicinal dispensary
- supermarketSelf-service food retailer
grocery · bodega · chemist · checkout · shelf · aisle · purchase · consumer · accessible · affordable
supplements
Extra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- probioticsLive microorganisms aiding digestion
herbal · homeopathic · holistic · natural · remedy · tincture · echinacea · zinc · elderberry · ginger
unregulated
Not controlled by rules
- unrestrictedHaving no limitations
- self-medicateTreat ailments without supervision
- FDAU.S. health regulator
side-effects · interactions · contraindications · misuse · safe · approved
non-prescriptionprescription
Medical dispensing authorization
prescription drug · prescription medication · Rx · prescribed · controlled
non-prescriptioncontrolled
Kept within limits
regulated · scheduled · controlled substance · restricted · Schedule II