What are over the counter medicines?

Over the Counter refers to medicines purchased from a retail (drug) store that do not require a doctor's prescription to purchase.

Some prescription drugs are just higher dosages of drugs obtainable over the counter. For example 800mg ibuprofen pills require a prescription; taking four 200 mg pills (over the counter Advil, say) do not.

If insurance pays for your drugs, it can save you some money. If not, sometimes a sale at the drug store is a better way to go.

Those that can be purchased from a drug store without a prescription.

Medicines you purchase off of the shelf without a prescription, such a Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol. Named so for the fact that a long time ago these medicines were handed to people over a counter. I think.

non perscription meds that you can buy at a store

Over the counter medicines (OTC) are medicines the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides are safe and effective for use without a doctor's prescription.

Over the counter (or OTC) medicines are drugs like Advil or Robitussin for which you do not need a prescription. The often evolved from prescription meds (think Claritin) and have to go through the same clinical trials as prescriptions.

Do not confuse over the counter with herbal supplements, which do not have to prove their safety or effectiveness.