OTC is the abbreviation of over the counter, that is, over-the-counter drugs, which refer to drugs that do not require a doctor's prescription and can be purchased directly by consumers in pharmacies or pharmacies. OTC officially proposed drug classification management in 1996.

OTC are medicines that consumers can buy directly from pharmacies or pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, and they are medicines that can be used safely without the guidance of medical professionals. The main categories of over-the-counter drugs: dietary supplements (including vitamins and minerals), skin medications (including skin health products), cold and cough medicines, analgesics, and gastrointestinal medicines.

In over-the-counter drugs, there are more detailed classifications. Those with white characters on a red background are Category A, and those with white characters on a green background are Category B. Although both Category A and B OTC drugs can be purchased in pharmacies, Category B OTC drugs are safer. In addition to being sold in pharmacies, Class B over-the-counter drugs can also be sold in supermarkets, hotels, department stores, etc.

Extended information: The emergence of over-the-counter drugs has greatly promoted the development of self-medication and plays a very important role in real life:

① Prevention and treatment can be carried out without a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment, which is convenient Timely;

②Prevent drug abuse and promote rational use of drugs;

③Promote health care in areas with underdeveloped medical conditions and create good conditions for the implementation of "primary health care for everyone" Conditions;

④ Promote the reform of the medical system and lay the foundation for accelerating the implementation of the social medical insurance system;

⑤ It is conducive to improving people’s awareness of self-care and self-medication, and reducing hospital pressure ;

⑥ It is conducive to improving the management of marketed drugs and ensuring people's drug safety.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-OTC (over-the-counter drugs)