In what ways are over-the-counter and prescription medications different?

Answer 1

?Prescription drugs are usually given to treat serious conditions and may cause severe side effects. For these reasons, they are sold by prescription only, which ensures that a physician has evaluated the patient's medical condition and determined that the benefits of using the medication outweigh the risks of incurring side effects. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those that individuals can use safely and effectively without medical supervision. People use them to treat less serious illnesses that are easily self-diagnosed. Examples include aspirin to treat headaches or pain and antacids to combat acid reflux. The FDA regulates labels on OTC drugs to make sure they provide accurate information about the drugs' appropriate uses and dosages and potential adverse effects. Prescription drugs considered safe enough for self- medication are often given OTC status, sometimes in smaller doses than are available by prescription.