What Exactly Are Medicines?

Under the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, medicines are defined as substances intended for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of human diseases. They are designed to purposefully regulate physiological functions in humans, with clearly specified indications, functional purposes, and instructions for use and dosage. This broad category encompasses a variety of substances including traditional Chinese medicinal materials, Chinese herbal decoction pieces, Chinese patent medicines, chemical substances and their preparations, antibiotics, biochemical drugs, radiopharmaceuticals, serums, vaccines, blood products, and diagnostic agents.

Is a Prescription Necessary to Purchase Medicines?

The term OTC, standing for Over-The-Counter drugs, refers to medications that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. These are drugs deemed safe for consumer use without the need for direct supervision by a healthcare professional. They can be acquired directly from pharmacies or drugstores.

OTC medications are divided into two categories, A and B, based on their safety profile. Class A non-prescription drugs are identified by a red "OTC" logo on their packaging. These can only be sold in licensed pharmacies and medical institution pharmacies that possess a valid "drug trading license" and are staffed by licensed pharmacists or qualified pharmaceutical professionals. And Class B non-prescription drugs, marked by a green "OTC" logo, can be distributed not only in the aforementioned establishments but also in general commercial enterprises that have received approval.