Behind the counter medications require a prescription for a pharmacist to dispense.

Behind-the-counter (BTC) medications do not require a prescription but must be dispensed by a pharmacist. These medications, such as pseudoephedrine, are kept behind the pharmacy counter to ensure safe use and to allow the pharmacist to provide counseling on proper dosing, contraindications, and potential side effects. BTC drugs are more restricted than over-the-counter medications due to safety concerns, potential for misuse, or interactions with other medications. The pharmacist acts as a gatekeeper to ensure appropriate use, but a formal prescription from a healthcare provider is not required for these medications.