What does drug OTC mean?
In recent years, with the improvement of health awareness, drug OTC has become one of the hot topics of public concern. Many consumers often see the "OTC" logo when purchasing medicines, but they do not know its specific meaning. This article will explain in detail the definition, classification and common drugs of OTC, and combine it with the hot content of the entire network in the past 10 days to help readers fully understand this concept.
1. Definition of OTC

OTC is the abbreviation of "Over The Counter" in English, and its Chinese translation is"Over-the-Counter Drugs". This type of medicine does not require a doctor's prescription, and consumers can buy it directly in pharmacies or supermarkets. OTC drugs are usually used to treat common minor illnesses, such as colds, headaches, stomachaches, etc. They are relatively safe and easy to use.
2. Classification of OTC
According to the safety and scope of use of the drugs, OTC drugs can be divided into the following two categories:
| Category | Features | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Class A OTC | Need to be purchased at the pharmacy under the guidance of a pharmacist | Ganmaolin, ibuprofen |
| Class B OTC | Can be purchased in supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. | Vitamin C, Band-Aid |
3. Popular OTC-related topics on the entire network in the past 10 days
After sorting out the data from the entire network, the following are the hot topics related to OTC drugs:
| topic | heat index | Main content |
|---|---|---|
| OTC drug abuse risk | high | Experts warn that long-term use of OTC drugs may lead to dependence or side effects |
| Home OTC List | in | 10 OTC drugs recommended by doctors for families |
| Traps of online shopping for OTC drugs | high | Some e-commerce platforms sell counterfeit OTC drugs, consumers need to be wary |
4. How to use OTC drugs correctly
Although OTC drugs are relatively safe, you still need to pay attention to the following points when using them:
1.Read the instructions: Carefully check the indications, usage, dosage and contraindications of the medicine.
2.avoid abuse: Do not take it for a long time or in excessive amounts to avoid side effects.
3.Consult a pharmacist: If you have any questions, you can consult the pharmacist at the pharmacy to ensure the safety of medication.
5. The difference between OTC drugs and prescription drugs
To help readers better distinguish between OTC drugs and prescription drugs, the following is a comparison between the two:
| Comparative item | OTC drugs | prescription drugs |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase method | No prescription required | Requires doctor's prescription |
| Scope of use | Common ailments | Severe or special illness |
| security | higher | Medical advice must be strictly followed |
Conclusion
OTC drugs provide consumers with convenient self-medication options, but correct use is critical. Through the introduction of this article, I hope readers can understand the meaning and precautions of OTC more clearly, choose and use drugs rationally, and ensure health and safety.
check the details
check the details