Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines

Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional.

The materials in this section will help you, working with your health care professionals, to choose and use over-the-counter medicine wisely.

To obtain printed copies of any of these materials, please email your request by title to: dpapubs@fda.hhs.gov. You can also call 301-796-3703 or 1-888-INFO-FDA. 

• For more information about over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, please visit "Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers: Using Acetaminophen and NSAID Medicine Safely, and "COX-2 Selective (includes Bextra, Celebrex, and Vioxx) and Non-Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)." 
• For information about an interactive educational program about the safe and effective use of over-the-counter medicines, please visit the "Medicines in My Home" Web site.