What did the Humphrey-Hurham Amendment of 1951 classify drugs as?

The Humphrey-Hawkins Amendment of 1951 was significant in the history of U.S. drug regulation because it established the distinction between prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Specifically, the amendment created the category of prescription-only drugs, which are medications that must be dispensed only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.

This legislation recognized that certain drugs require professional oversight due to their potential for misuse, side effects, or the necessity for a healthcare provider to monitor their use. Thus, it set the framework for modern prescribing practices and made it clear that some medications are not safe to be self-administered without professional guidance.

The other classifications mentioned in the options do not accurately reflect the purpose or results of the Humphrey-Hawkins Amendment. While controlled substances are indeed regulated, they fall under a different set of regulations established by the Controlled Substances Act and are subject to unique rules concerning their prescribing and dispensing. Over-the-counter medications represent a different category entirely, as they are considered safe for general public use without a prescription. Non-controlled substances encompass both prescription and non-prescription drugs, but the amendment specifically defined the prescription category.