OVER-THE-COUNTER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does over-the-counter mean? 

• OVER-THE-COUNTER (adjective)
  The adjective OVER-THE-COUNTER has 2 senses:

1. purchasable without a doctor's prescription

2. (of securities) not traded on a stock exchange

  Familiarity information: OVER-THE-COUNTER used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OVER-THE-COUNTER (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Purchasable without a doctor's prescription

Synonyms:

nonprescription; over-the-counter

Context example:

an over-the-counter cold remedy

Domain category:

medicament; medication; medicinal drug; medicine ((medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of securities) not traded on a stock exchange

Synonyms:

otc; over-the-counter

Context example:

over-the-counter stocks

Similar:

unlisted (not on a list)

 Context examples 

An herbal product sold as an over-the-counter treatment for depression.

(Hypericum perforatum, NCI Dictionary)

Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

(Herbal Medicine, NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Some get better with over-the-counter medicines or changes in diet.

(Esophagus Disorders, NIH)

Aside from drugs for fever or pain, most over-the-counter products haven't actually been studied in children for effectiveness, safety, or dosing.

(Medicines and Children, Food and Drug Administration)

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription.

(Over-the-Counter Medicines, Food and Drug Administration)

Tell your health care providers about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements.

(Patient Safety, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are good for many types of pain.

(Pain Relievers, NIH)

Specifies whether a device is available over-the-counter.

(Device Over The Counter Product Indicator, NCI Thesaurus)

This is true whether it's a prescription or an over-the-counter drug.

(Drug Safety, NIH)

Among them was an over-the-counter drug called CCZ.

(Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in Mice, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)