Prescription drugs are medicines that are taken only:

	when a doctor or dentist orders (prescribes) them;
	for a specific reason;
	for a specific person;
	when a specially trained person, called a pharmacist, prepares them.

Non-prescription drugs are drug products that are displayed on the shelves at supermarkets, department stores or drug stores.

Hundreds of non-prescription drugs are available to treat many conditions.

Anyone can buy non-prescription drugs. You do not have to see a doctor first. Even though a doctor does not need to prescribe these drugs, they can still be dangerous. Anyone taking non-prescription drugs should carefully read the instructions and warnings on the package.

Because you take them off the shelf and pay for them at the check-out counter, non-prescription drugs are often called "over-the-counter" drugs.