What does OTC stand for?

OTC is the abbreviation of Over The Counter in English, which refers to over-the-counter drugs in medical terms. The definition of OTC by the Medical Bureau of China's Ministry of Health is: OTC refers to drugs that consumers can buy directly from pharmacies or pharmacies without a doctor's prescription and can use safely without the guidance of medical professionals. Non-prescription drugs mainly include dietary supplements (including vitamins and minerals), skin drugs (including skin health products), cold and cough drugs, painkillers and gastrointestinal drugs.

OTC drugs are divided into two categories: A and B. In order to make people more convenient, some drugs with higher safety in OTC drugs are classified as Class B. Besides being sold in pharmacies, Class B OTC drugs can also be sold in supermarkets, hotels, department stores and other places. Of course, these ordinary commercial enterprises need the approval of the corresponding drug supervision and administration departments before they can sell Class B OTC drugs.