title: The conversion of a prescription drug to OTC Status.
abstract: The FDA approval process can seem confusing. This month's column outlines the usual processes-and some unusual ones, as well.
authors.affiliation: Diane S. Aschenbrenner is the course coordinator for undergraduate pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD. She also coordinates Drug Watch: dianea@son.jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Diane S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Aschenbrenner
mesh_terms: D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs