OTC drugs are a short form of ‘over-the-counter’ drugs and include those types of medicines that can be sold directly to a consumer, without the need for a valid prescription issued by a doctor. The other category of drugs that are opposite to OTC drugs involve prescription drugs, that can be sold only to those customers who have a valid prescription for the same. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) usually regulate OTC drugs, as against the final products. In some countries, OTC drugs are even found in establishments other than pharmacies, including general stores, gas stations, supermarkets and so on. Aspirin is one of the most common and also one of the oldest OTC drugs. India has witnessed tremendous expansion of the OTC drugs market in recent years, given the increased tendency for self-treatment among the country’s population. The government has also taken various initiatives to promote the OTC drugs market in recent years, including a reduction in drug prices and reforms in the related tax structure. Hide this