Prescription medicine is medicine that can be bought only with a written order from a doctor.

• A. Medicine that can be bought without a prescription
• B. Medicine that can be bought only with a written order from a doctor
• C. Medicines that are effective for all age groups
• D. Medicines that have no side effects

Answer: (B)

Prescription medicines are those that require a doctor's written order before you can purchase them. This protects safety by ensuring a clinician has checked your condition, chosen an appropriate medicine, and set the correct dose and duration. It also allows for monitoring of how you respond and watching for possible interactions with other drugs or health issues.

Medicines that can be bought without a prescription are over-the-counter and are generally considered safe for ordinary use when directions are followed. The idea that a medicine is prescription-only isn’t about being suitable for all ages or about having no side effects; those aren’t reliable indicators. In fact, most medicines can have side effects, and some require different dosing for children or people with certain health conditions.