What is a prescription drug?

A prescription drug is defined as a medication that requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for it to be lawfully dispensed to a patient. This requirement ensures that medications that have the potential for misuse, serious side effects, or that require careful monitoring are only available to patients under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Options that describe over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, or nutritional supplements do not fit the definition of a prescription drug. Over-the-counter drugs can be purchased without a prescription due to their established safety and efficacy when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Herbal medications and nutritional supplements are usually available without a prescription and may not undergo the same rigorous testing and approval processes as prescription medications. Hence, the focus on the need for a prescription in option B makes it the accurate definition of a prescription drug.