Update date: March 2, 2023
Over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores are classified into drugs requiring guidance and over-the-counter drugs (Class 1 drugs, Class 2 drugs, and Class 3 drugs) depending on the degree of risk.
Risk classification of over-the-counter drugs
The risk classification of over-the-counter medicines is clearly indicated on the outer box (package).
When purchasing over-the-counter medicines, check the risk classification and precautions for use, and proactively consult with a pharmacist or other specialist to receive information and use the medicines appropriately.
In order to enable purchasers to use over-the-counter medicines appropriately, rules have been established regarding sales methods at pharmacies and drugstores, and the specialists involved, as shown in the table below.
| Drugs requiring guidance | Class 1 pharmaceuticals | Class 2 drugs | Class 3 drugs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| definition | This drug contains ingredients that will be sold for the first time as an over-the-counter drug and is currently being evaluated for risks such as side effects, so it must be handled with care. Drugs designated as poisonous or powerful drugs |
Medications that require special attention because their side effects may interfere with daily life. | Drugs that in rare cases may interfere with daily life due to side effects, etc. (Designated class 2 drug) Drugs that require special attention among Class 2 drugs (drugs that have a risk of interaction, drugs that increase the risk of side effects depending on the user, etc.) |
Drugs that do not interfere with daily life due to side effects, etc., but may cause physical changes or discomfort |
| pharmaceuticals example |
From ethical drugs (note 1) Medicines that have recently been replaced with over-the-counter medicines List of drugs requiring guidance (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare website) |
some stomach medicines Some hair medications, etc. |
Main cold medicine antipyretic analgesic Gastrointestinal medicine etc. |
vitamin supplements Intestinal medicine etc. |
| handle Expert |
pharmacist | pharmacist | pharmacist Registered seller |
pharmacist Registered seller |
| Expert by sales and Information provision Flow of |
Face-to-face from the purchaser (user himself/herself), Check information such as symptoms, age, and medication history, Using paper or tablet devices, After providing explanations (pharmaceutical guidance) for appropriate use according to the condition and situation of the purchaser, Only one package will be sold per person. At the pharmacist's discretion, you may be advised to switch to an over-the-counter drug or recommend seeing a medical institution. |
Based on the user's information (symptoms, age, medication history, etc.), Using paper or tablet devices, Products will be sold after providing explanations deemed necessary for the user to use them properly. At the pharmacist's discretion, you may be advised to see a medical institution. |
We will endeavor to provide instructions for proper use. If there is a consultation, we will sell the product after explaining how to use it properly. (Class 2 designation only) We encourage purchasers to check the precautions for use and consult with experts through voice calls and pop-up displays. |
If there is a consultation, we will sell the product after explaining how to use it properly. |
| sale record |
Record the date and time of sale, product name, quantity, name of the expert who sold it, etc. As a security measure, we may verify the buyer's contact information. |
For security purposes, we may check the contact information of the purchaser and record it along with the date and time of sale, product name, quantity, and name of the specialist who sold it. | ||
| Specific sales (note 2) (Sales via the internet, etc.) |
Impossible | Possible | Possible | Possible |
- (Note 1) Medical drugs: Medications that are prescribed by a doctor according to the patient's illness, symptoms, constitution, etc., and then dispensed by a pharmacist based on that prescription.
- (Note 2) Specified sales: Selling pharmaceuticals via the Internet, telephone, catalogs, etc.
- When selling over-the-counter drugs, the name of the store where the drug was sold, contact information, and the name of the specialist will be communicated to the purchaser by calling out to them or using a name tag.
others
- Medicines that may be abused, etc.
For medicines that contain ingredients that pose a risk of abuse (dependency or habit-forming), regardless of risk classification,
We will sell the item after confirming the following items 1 to 4.
- If the purchaser is a young person such as a junior high school or high school student, name and age
- Purchasing status of pharmaceuticals at other stores
- If you are attempting to purchase more than the quantity deemed necessary (in principle, one per person), the reason.
- Other information necessary to confirm that the purchase is for proper use.