Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) are the two main legal and regulatory categories of pharmaceutical drugs in the U.S. distribution system. Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications can be bought off-the-shelf without a prescription and are intended for self-diagnosis and self-treatment of minor ailments, like headaches or allergies. The FDA has deemed their active ingredients safe for general public use with low potential for harm when used as directed. They feature a standardized "Drug Facts" label. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Classes

• Analgesics/Antipyretics

• Acetaminophen

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)

• Cough, Cold, Allergy

• Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, loratadine)

• Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)

• Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan)

• Expectorants (guaifenesin)

• Gastrointestinal

• Antacids (calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)

• H2 blockers (famotidine)

• Laxatives (senna, polyethylene glycol)

• Antidiarrheals (loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate)

• Dermatologic/Topical

• Antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine)

• Antifungals (clotrimazole, terbinafine)

• Hydrocortisone cream

• Sunscreens

• Other OTC

• Nicotine replacement therapy

• Vitamins/minerals

• Sleep aids (diphenhydramine, melatonin—though melatonin is dietary supplement, not FDA OTC drug)

NOTE: Dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products are regulated as foods by the FDA, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).

Read more here (FDA): Click HERE to access website.

Read more here (NIH SEED): Click HERE to access website.

Read more here (congress.gov): Click HERE to access website.