Super Hans Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 I would use the term OTC to mean you had to ask the pharmacist for it, as in, not available off the shelf Do you work in a pharmacy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alternageek Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 In the US, OTC means its not a prescription, and may be held behind the counter for a cashier or pharmacy tech may need to sell it to you. Things like sudafed or extra strength ibuprofen which need to be queried before purchase. Though, its also used for any meds you can pull off the shelf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Hans Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 Though, its also used for any meds you can pull off the shelf. If you can get it off the shelf it isn't over the counter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldleaf Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 isnt that 'under the counter' anyway, there is prescription only medicine, self explanatory. General sales list medication, such as small packs of paracetamol, lemsip etc. This requires no training to sell Pharmacy medications - these drugs shouldnt be available for someone to choose themselves. The pharmacist should ask the patient and only give them to the patient if the pharmacist is sure they are suitable, such as co-codamol Over the counter isnt an official designation in the UK Sorry m8!?! … can you say that again in English! …. didn’t understand a word you said! P.P.S Maybe this will help regarding what I said…… Hi what would you like? … crisps , a DVD, drugs maybe an ice-cream? P.P.P.S That’s under the counter in Scotland….. Meaning its not on the top shelf , on display … But under the counter you cant see. Im not out for an argument but like I say / over/ under ….. In Scotland it means something not on display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alcoblog Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 FROM ALCOPEDIA ... 'Over the counter' ... A phrase often wrongly used in common parlance. 'Over the counter' applies to objects purchased not 'under' or 'on', but 'ABOVE' a counter or tabletop, be they medicine, thermonuclear missiles, Cornflakes, Marmite or Pot Noodles. This implies some kind of ledge or shelving system situated directly above the aforementioned 'counter'. Often manufactured from wood, plastic or metal, these shelves can be bought from retail outlets in either self assembly (B&Q), or ready made (B&Q) varieties in a range of decorative finishes. Obviously, since Health and Safety regulations kicked in, it is now illegal to display items for sale that were once described as 'off the shelf' as it is a phrase deemed altituduinously challenging to people of short stature (dwarfs, elves, Tom Cruise etc), with shelves being traditionally mounted at above counter height and well out of their reach. To get round this law (created by the people in Brussels), a team of top notch lexicographers (hired by the people of Brussels, using an EU grant) suggested the new phrase 'Over the counter'. Although 'Over the counter' has exactly the same meaning as 'Off the shelf', the use of the former phrase is now widely regarded as preferable (but not correct), as it doesn't carry a mandatory six month prison sentence and 1,000 Euro fine. Further similar phrases: Off the counter Under the table Above the shelf Under the shelf Behind the door Out of the window Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldleaf Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 FROM ALCOPEDIA ... 'Over the counter' ... A phrase often wrongly used in common parlance. 'Over the counter' applies to objects purchased not 'under' or 'on', but 'ABOVE' a counter or tabletop, be they medicine, thermonuclear missiles, Cornflakes, Marmite or Pot Noodles. This implies some kind of ledge or shelving system situated directly above the aforementioned 'counter'. Often manufactured from wood, plastic or metal, these shelves can be bought from retail outlets in either self assembly (B&Q), or ready made (B&Q) varieties in a range of decorative finishes. Obviously, since Health and Safety regulations kicked in, it is now illegal to display items for sale that were once described as 'off the shelf' as it is a phrase deemed altituduinously challenging to people of short stature (dwarfs, elves, Tom Cruise etc), with shelves being traditionally mounted at above counter height and well out of their reach. To get round this law (created by the people in Brussels), a team of top notch lexicographers (hired by the people of Brussels, using an EU grant) suggested the new phrase 'Over the counter'. Although 'Over the counter' has exactly the same meaning as 'Off the shelf', the use of the former phrase is now widely regarded as preferable (but not correct), as it doesn't carry a mandatory six month prison sentence and 1,000 Euro fine. Further similar phrases: Off the counter Under the table Above the shelf Under the shelf Behind the door Out of the window Extremely clever and educated. Respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alternageek Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 If you can get it off the shelf it isn't over the counter. It is used incorrectly, that is true, but that is how its referred to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phanerothyme Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 OTC simply means not POM, which in practice that means any GSL or P formulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garbo Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 Sorry m8!?! … can you say that again in English! …. didn’t understand a word you said! I dont know how else to term it, its all in English as far as I can tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeMaquis Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 Here in Glasgow the ice-cream man has over the counter paraphernalia. No police would ever suspect an ice cream van in Glasgow in November would be selling anything but ice cream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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