The English abbreviation of prescription drugs: Rx, the English abbreviation of over-the-counter drugs: OTC.
Prescription drugs (Rx) refer to drugs purchased from hospital pharmacies based on prescriptions issued by doctors with prescribing authority. This kind of medicine usually has certain toxicity and other potential effects. The method and time of use have special requirements and must be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Over-the-counter drugs (OTC) refer to drugs that patients choose, purchase, and use themselves according to the drug instructions. This type of drug has fewer and mild side effects, is easy to detect, does not cause drug resistance or addiction, and has little interaction with other drugs. It has been used clinically for many years and has certain efficacy.
Over-the-counter drugs are mainly used for mild, stable, and clearly diagnosed diseases. In a word, over-the-counter drugs are drugs that can be purchased at any drugstore. However, over-the-counter drugs were born with the development of society and the improvement of people's cultural level. Therefore, we must take medicine according to the disease, take medicine according to the symptoms, understand how to take medicine, and take medicine according to the law (usage and dosage).
Extended information:
Prescription drugs mostly fall into the following situations:
1. The activity or side effects of new drugs on the market need to be further observed.
2. Certain drugs that can cause dependence, such as morphine analgesics and certain hypnotic and tranquillative drugs.
3. The drugs themselves are highly toxic, such as anti-cancer drugs.
4. Special drugs needed to treat certain diseases, such as drugs for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, must be prescribed by a physician after diagnosis and used under the guidance of a physician. In addition, prescription drugs are only allowed to be advertised in professional medical newspapers and periodicals, and are not allowed to be advertised in mass media.
Over-the-counter drugs refer to drugs that can be purchased without a prescription from a physician or other medical professional after being stipulated or approved by the national health administration department for the convenience of public use and on the premise of ensuring drug safety. The general public makes their own judgment.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Prescription Drugs