to buy some on-counter medicine v.s over-the-counter medicine

[z7655431]

He went to a pharmacy and bought some on-counter medicine.
-Is the sentence correct? What does "on-counter medicine" mean? What's the difference between over-the-counter medicine and on-counter medicine?

 

[bhaisahab]

The sentence is not correct. "on-counter medicine" is not used, "over-the-counter" is the usual term.

 

[Rover_KE]

That's right.

Also 'nonprescription medicine'.

 

[z7655431]

So, Is "on-counter medicine" wrong? Or, it is just not common as over-the-counter medicine or nonprescription medicine.

 

[emsr2d2]

In BrE, we use "prescription medication/medicines/drugs" (must be prescribed by a doctor) or "non-prescription/over-the-counter medication/medicines/drugs" (can be bought at a pharmacy or sometimes in a supermarket without a prescription).

 

[MikeNewYork]

The same is true in AmE.

 

[Raymott]

Same in Aus - but here it's also called "OTC" medicine. You (or someone else) may have misinterpreted this.

 

[Tarheel]

Same in Aus - but here it's also called "OTC" medicine. You (or someone else) may have misinterpreted this.

That one is also used here (USA).