In China, OTC drugs refer to the drugs which can be purchased or used by consumers without prescriptions from licensed physicians.

Category II OTC drugs are recognized as safer than Category I ones.

Category I OTC drugs can only be purchased from (1) drug stores with drug supply licenses and licensed pharmacists or professionals of higher levels, and (2) medical institutions' pharmacies.

Category II OTC drugs can be purchased from (1) drug stores, (2) medical institutions' pharmacies, and (3) retailers such as supermarkets and hotels with approval by drug regulators.

Rx-to-OTC switch is the NMPA-approved transfer of prescription drugs to OTC status.

Rx & OTC means a drug has prescription and OTC statuses. The drug is considered a prescription drug for indications that are obscure to patients; it is considered an OTC drug for indications that can be diagnosed by patients themselves.