Nonprescription Drugs: An Overview

Abstract

This article discusses a widely used class of medicinal agents—nonprescription drugs. The pertinent legislation affecting nonprescription drugs is reviewed historically, followed by a discussion of recent federal regulatory actions, especially those of the review panels convened by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The problems associated with nonprescription drugs are considered from the viewpoints of the health practitioner, the consumer, and the federal regulatory agency, taking into account such concerns as drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, overuse, and deceptive advertising. Finally, some problems in the assessment of the safety and efficacy of nonprescription drugs are discussed.