Which type of medication requires a prescription from a qualified prescriber?

Prescriptive medications are those that legally require a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant, before they can be dispensed to a patient. This requirement is in place because prescriptive medications often include substances that have the potential for misuse or may have significant side effects that need to be managed under professional supervision. The prescribing healthcare provider evaluates the patient's medical history, current health status, and specific health needs before authorizing the use of these medications, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

In contrast, over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription and can be purchased directly by consumers. Supplemental medications, such as vitamins and minerals, typically do not require a prescription and can be obtained freely. Generic medications refer to pharmaceutical products that are equivalent to brand-name drugs in dosage form, strength, and administration route, but they can be either prescribed or sold over the counter, depending on the drug's classification. Thus, the requirement for a prescription distinctly applies to prescriptive medications.