US Medical Term · medications
OTC Medication (Over-the-Counter)
Medicamento de venta libre
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | OTC Medication (Over-the-Counter) |
| Spanish (Español) | Medicamento de venta libre |
| Chinese (中文) | 非處方藥 |
| Korean (한국어) | 일반의약품 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc không cần kê đơn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Gamot na walang reseta |
| Portuguese (Português) | Medicamento sem prescrição (OTC) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาที่ไม่ต้องมีใบสั่งแพทย์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 市販薬 |
What it means
OTC, or over-the-counter, medications are drugs you can purchase at a pharmacy or retail store without a doctor's prescription. Common OTC medications include pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, antacids, allergy medicines, and cold remedies. Although they do not require a prescription, OTC medications are regulated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Some OTC drugs can still cause serious side effects, interact with prescription medications, or be unsafe during pregnancy. Always read the label carefully and inform your doctor and pharmacist about all OTC products you take regularly, as they can affect your overall treatment plan.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Can I take this OTC pain reliever with my prescription medications?
¿Puedo tomar este analgésico de venta libre con mis medicamentos recetados?
Which OTC allergy medicine do you recommend for my symptoms?
¿Qué medicamento de venta libre para la alergia recomienda para mis síntomas?
I always tell my doctor about the OTC medications I take.
Siempre le digo a mi médico qué medicamentos de venta libre estoy tomando.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026