Which of the following represents the best description of over-the-counter drugs?

Over-the-counter drugs are best described as medications that can be purchased without a prescription. This definition is fundamental in understanding the accessibility of these medications. Over-the-counter drugs are typically considered safe and effective for use by the general public without needing a doctor's approval. They include a wide variety of products, such as pain relievers, cold and allergy medications, and digestive aids, which are effective for treating common ailments.

The other options do not accurately describe over-the-counter drugs. Medications requiring a doctor's prescription represent prescription drugs, which are regulated more strictly and are meant for conditions that require professional medical oversight. Hardcore narcotics, often subject to strict legal controls, do not encompass all over-the-counter drugs; in fact, many over-the-counter medications are not narcotics at all. Lastly, drugs solely used for recreational purposes typically refer to substances that are misused and do not include the therapeutic intent that over-the-counter medications have. Thus, the characteristic of being purchasable without a prescription distinctly identifies over-the-counter drugs.