Final answer:
Over-the-counter drugs, such as pain relievers and cold medicines, can be purchased without a prescription. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor. These drugs are deemed safe enough to be used by individuals without the supervision of a medical practitioner.
The FDA has a list of approximately 800 approved ingredients that are combined in various ways to create more than 100,000 OTC drug products. Common examples of OTC drugs include pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, cough and cold medicines, antacids, and allergy medications.
It is important to note that while OTC drugs can be purchased without a prescription, it is still essential to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions provided on the packaging or by a healthcare professional.