Non prescription drugs are drugs that are
sold over the counter, which means they are sold without a prescription from
a doctor. These drugs are sold directly to the consumers as compared to
prescription
drugs, which requires a prescription. They are also referred as the
over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. In the United States, there are more than 80
therapeutic categories of non-prescription drugs, ranging from weight
control drugs to anti-acne to analgesics drugs and many more. These drugs
are easily available in local chemists as well as in general stores,
supermarkets, gas stations, etc.
Regulations in OTC Drugs
In many countries, OTC or non-prescription
drugs are selected by a regulatory agency so as to check the ingredients
that are used in the making of drugs are safe and effective when used
without a doctor's advise. These non-prescription drugs are usually
regulated by active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), not final products.
This implies that the governments allow drugs manufacturers the right to
formulate ingredients, or combinations of ingredients, to make proper
medicinal mixtures. Regulations related to who is authorized to dispense
these drugs, to where they are to be sold, and whether a prescription is
required vary considerably from country to country. In India. all the drugs
that are not included in the list of prescription drugs are considered as
non-prescription drugs (or OTC drugs).
Types of OTC Drugs or Non-Presciption Drugs List
- Anti-Hemorrhoid Drugs
- Topical Antibiotics: Some
topical antibiotics are available without a prescription
- Cough-Suppressants
- Anti-acne Drugs
- Non-steroidal
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Some can be bought over the counter;
others are available only with a prescription from a physician or
dentist.
- Antiseptics
- Analgesics
- Decongestants: Some decongestant
products require a physician's prescription but there are also many
non-prescription (over-the-counter) products.
- Aspirin
- Vasodilators: Some Vasodilators such
as Minoxidil are sold without prescription.
- Antacids
- Expectorants: Many expectorants are
available without a physician's prescription.
- Anti-fungal Drugs
- Anti-Histamines: Some can be
bought without prescription.
- Anti-gas Agents
- Smoking Cessation Drugs:
Many drugs can be bought over the counter, without prescription.
Characteristics of Non-Prescription Drugs
Non prescription drugs
usually have these characteristics:
- The benefits of these drugs outweigh their risks.
- There is low chances for misuse and abuse.
- Consumer can use them for self-diagnosed health conditions.
- Thses drugs can be adequately labeled.
- There is no requirement of health professionals for the safe and
effective use of the product.