What is the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter drug?

In Washington, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are regulated by different laws. A prescription is a drug that must be prescribed by a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, to be taken safely. The medication is monitored and managed by the medical professional to ensure it is taken as prescribed and to avoid negative side effects. OTC drugs, on the other hand, do not require a prescription. OTC drugs are considered safe enough to be used without medical supervision. OTC drugs can be purchased without a doctor’s permission. Since they are not monitored, users are responsible for understanding the product label and using the drug according to instructions. There are certain circumstances in which an OTC drug can be converted to a prescription. For instance, if a drug’s label has a warning that it should not be used for more than 10 days, a doctor might decide that the drug should be prescribed to ensure that the patient uses it for the appropriate length of time. In Washington, prescription and OTC drugs are subject to different laws and regulations. While prescription drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription, OTC drugs can be purchased without one. Consumers must use caution when taking both types of medicines, as misuse of either can result in serious health complications.

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What is the difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter drug?

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