April 16 2009, 11:31 am PT | Posted in: Drugs
If Minoxidil is a drug, why does it not need a prescription? Sure, things like toothpaste and acne medication also list “Drug Facts” but sodium fluoride and salycilic acid seem natural, whereas minoxidil doesn’t. I asked a similar question like this before but it wasn’t answered.
That is an FDA decision. It originally was a prescription item, but someone put in an application to the FDA to release it for general over the counter sales. The FDA must determine safety and effectiveness and I guess that they determined it safe enough.
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Most over-the-counter drugs are not “natural”, but initially were by prescription only. The basis to make a drug “over-the-counter” by any regulatory agency is essentialy based on collection of safety data after a drug has been on the market, and the determination that the drug is quite safe. Certain antihistamines and anti-ulcer medications are good examples of drugs that went from prescription-based to over the counter. This safety profile generally assumes that side effects are not serious, are typically reversible, and are not severe. All drugs have side effects so a risk/benefit ratio based on safety and efficay must be evaluated in this determination.