Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

        Buying & Using Medicine Safely

Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines

                        
                Medicines in My Home (MIMH)


                Choosing the Right Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine
          Safe Daily Use of Aspirin
          Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
          The Over-the-Counter Medicine Label
          Tips For Parents about the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine Home
          Drugs
          Resources | Drugs
          Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs
          Buying & Using Medicine Safely
          Understanding Over-the-Counter MedicinesBuying & Using Medicine Safely Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines
  	
        Share
    Post
    Linkedin

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

Related Resources

OTC Drug Facts Label
	Consumer Education Materials: Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicine
	Medicines in My Home (MIMH)
	Safe Daily Use of Aspirin
	Tips For Parents about the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
	Safe Use of OTC Pain Relievers and Fever ReducersAdditional Information

Topical Antiseptic Products: Hand Sanitizers and Antibacterial Soaps
	Sunscreen Information This page provided consumer information about sunscreen and sun protection. It goes into the topics of SPF, ingredients, how to use properly, and other topics. Videos are also provided.
	How FDA strives to ensure the safety of OTC products Feature article
	Consumer Information: Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Drug Products
	Ensuring Safe Use of Medicine
	Video: Taking Acetaminophen Safely
	Sunscreen Information: Important Changes
	Acetaminophen Information

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      05/16/2018Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines                
                          

                        Medicines in My Home (MIMH)


                        Choosing the Right Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine
          Safe Daily Use of Aspirin
          Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
          The Over-the-Counter Medicine Label
          Tips For Parents about the safe use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop