Question: where did the term over the counter come from

title: Over-the-counter drug
text: Prescription Only Medication ( POM ) , which are legally available only with a valid prescription from a prescriber . A pharmacist has to be on the premises for POM medicines to be dispensed , required by law . The medicine has been specifically prescribed for the patient holding the prescription , so it is considered safe for only the recipient to take . Just a small example of these include most antibiotics and all antidepressants or antidiabetic medications . Drugs included as POM are high - strength painkillers such as oxycodone and tramadol , medications such as sildenafil ( Viagra ) and diazepam ( Valium ) , and certain topical preparations such as corticosteroids . These medicines are often sold by drug dealers , especially those marked as `` CD POM , '' which are controlled due to abuse risk such as dipipanone , temazepam , and methadone .