Prescription Drug

Definition

A medication that legally requires a healthcare provider's prescription before dispensing. Prescription-only status is assigned when a drug's risks require professional supervision — due to side effects, drug interactions, or the need for accurate diagnosis before treatment.

Related Terms

Mentioned in Guides

• How to Read a Drug Label
  Drug labels contain essential information about what a medication does, how to take it safely, and who should avoid it. …
• Prescription vs. OTC: What's the Difference?
  Some medications require a doctor's order while others are freely available on pharmacy shelves. Understanding the difference between prescription and …
• Safe Medication Disposal
  Unused medications that accumulate at home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and a contributor to environmental contamination. This …
• Traveling with Medications
  Traveling with medications requires planning ahead to avoid running out, navigate TSA and customs rules, manage time zone changes, and …
• Controlled Substances and DEA Schedules
  A clear explanation of the five DEA drug schedules, how substances are classified, and what scheduling means for how drugs …
• Importing Medications: Legal Considerations
  With US drug prices far above those in other countries, many patients consider importing medications from Canada or elsewhere. This …
• Over-the-Counter to Prescription Switch
  Some prescription drugs become available over-the-counter, while the reverse also occurs. Understanding the OTC-Rx divide helps patients find affordable care …