What defines a prescription drug under federal law?

Under federal law, a prescription drug is defined as one that is unsafe for use except under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. This means that certain medications cannot be used effectively or safely without the oversight of a physician or similar authority. Additionally, the categorization of a drug as habit-forming often contributes to its designation as a prescription medication, as these drugs are considered to pose a higher potential for misuse and addiction and typically require careful monitoring.

The combination of these definitions captures the essence of why certain medications are classified as prescription drugs, emphasizing both the potential dangers associated with unsupervised use and the risks of dependency. This comprehensive understanding ensures that patients are adequately protected and that medications are only dispensed through a careful provider-patient relationship.

While other options may pertain to specific subsets of medications, they do not holistically encompass the broader definition of prescription drugs as established by federal regulations.