ABSTRACT
The term “over the counter” (OTC) in relation to pharmaceuticals refers to those
products used primarily for the treatment of conditions that do not require direct
medical attention. Over-the-counter drugs are non-prescription drugs that may be
sold over the counter at pharmacies or be available for general sale off the
shelf at various retail outlets including supermarkets. Over recent decades the
classifi cation of many drugs has changed as issues regarding their safety have
been clarifi ed. Some prescription drugs have been reclassifi ed and are now sold
over the counter and even off the shelf (e.g. the NSAID ibuprofen). Conversely,
some OTC drugs have been withdrawn from the market in many countries
following issues surrounding their safety (e.g. phenylpropanolamine).
