Durham-Humphrey Amendments

The Durham-Humphrey Amendments, enacted in 1951, clarified how prescription medications are managed in the U.S. They established that some drugs require a doctor's supervision and can only be dispensed with a prescription, while others are safe for over-the-counter use. This law helps ensure patients receive proper guidance for medications that could be harmful if misused, and distinguishes prescription drugs from over-the-counter products. It also authorized pharmacies to fill prescriptions, setting standards for labeling and dispensing, ultimately improving safety and clarity in medication use.