What is the first prescription number assigned for an over-the-counter (OTC) drug?

The first prescription number assigned for an over-the-counter (OTC) drug is seven. This system typically used by pharmacies for tracking prescriptions differentiates between prescription medications and OTC medications.

In many contexts, the numbering system starts at a certain point to classify different types of medication. For instance, prescription numbers help identify when a medication was dispensed and maintain an accurate record for refills. By assigning the number seven to OTC drugs, it establishes a clear boundary between prescription and non-prescription items, ensuring that the tracking system remains organized. This structure is essential for managing inventory, processing sales, and maintaining regulatory compliance effectively.

The assignment of lower numbers for prescriptions can indicate that those are primarily for prescription-only medications, while higher numbers are used for OTC products, helping to streamline the pharmacy’s workflow.