over-the-counter drugs

Pharmacy shelf medicines

Over-the-counter drugs are medications available without a prescription, sold directly to consumers at pharmacies and stores: You can get ibuprofen over the counter.

The phrase distinguishes these from prescription drugs, which require a doctor's authorization.

Common examples include pain relievers, cold medicines, and antacids.

Often abbreviated OTC.

Opposites
prescription requirement

over-the-counter drugsprescription drugs

Medicine requiring doctor's order

prescription medications · controlled substances · narcotics · opioids

legal status

over-the-counter drugsillegal drugs

Outlawed intoxicating substances

controlled substances · street drugs · banned substances · recreational drugs · contraband

medical supervision

over-the-counter drugschemotherapy drugs

Compounds that kill cancer cells

anesthetics

Family

counter, oversee, overcoat, counteract, overboard, countersign, countervail, overage, counterman

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G