A Third Class of Drugs: An Overview

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Abstract
Drug distribution in the U.S. allows certain products to be used only under the supervision of a physician or dentist. The distribution of other products is underrestricted, such that they may be used by consumers without any supervision. This article discusses the possibility of establishing a third class of drugs that would be available without a prescription but could be purchased only from a pharmacist. The current prescription-to-OTC switch process may provide an excellent opportunity to establish a third class of drugs. However, significant obstacles exist to such a move. For there to be sufficient public policy justification for a third class of drugs, it must be shown that the public will benefit through increased quality of health care and that the economic consequences will not be prohibitive.

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