Which federal law oversees the control and distribution of non-prescription medications?

The federal law that primarily applies to the control and distribution of medications, particularly in terms of their scheduling, is the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, it's important to clarify that the CSA specifically addresses controlled substances, which are medications that have a potential for abuse and dependency. Non-prescription medications, also known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, are generally not scheduled under the CSA because they are considered safe and effective for use without a prescription when used according to the label.

Instead, the regulation of non-prescription medications falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the FDA, which establishes guidelines for their safety, efficacy, and marketing. The FDA's regulations promote the safe use of OTC medications by ensuring they meet certain standards before they can be sold to consumers.

In this context, the correct choice regarding the oversight of non-prescription medications should accurately reflect that it’s primarily the FDA regulations that oversee their distribution and control, while the CSA focuses on controlled substances rather than OTC medications. Therefore, the most relevant answer concerning non-prescription medications is the FDA Regulations, as this body ensures these medications are safe for consumer use without a prescription.

Thus, while the Controlled Substances Act is crucial for controlled medications, it does not serve as the