Final answer:
OTC drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are available without a prescription and are regulated by the FDA. They include pain medicines like acetaminophen and NSAIDs. The FDA ensures that only those OTC drugs deemed safe are available to consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are medications that can be purchased without a prescription.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates these products and has approved approximately 800 ingredients that are utilized to create a multitude of OTC drug formulations reaching over 100,000 products.
While many of these ingredients were initially available only via prescription, they have since been determined to be safe for consumer use without a healthcare provider's oversight.
Among the OTC pain medicines available, there are two main types: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Some NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are available in lower doses over the counter, while higher doses may require a prescription.
Regulations also ensure the safety and efficacy of these medicines, with certain products withdrawn from OTC availability if new risks are identified, such as phenylpropanolamine (PPA) being restricted due to an increased risk of stroke.
OTC medications provide accessibility to effective pain relief and treatment for various symptoms, ensuring that individuals can manage minor health issues promptly.
However, the FDA maintains strict oversight to balance accessibility with consumer safety.
The complete question is:
What are the OTC (Over-the-counter) drugs that may be sold without a prescription?