What is a characteristic of a proprietary drug?

A proprietary drug, often known as a brand-name drug, is typically marketed under a trademarked name and is produced by a specific company. One key characteristic of proprietary drugs is that they can be purchased from a variety of sources beyond just pharmacies. For instance, many proprietary drugs are available over-the-counter in retail stores, supermarkets, and online, depending on their classification and regulations surrounding their sale.

This characteristic sets them apart from generic drugs, which are often relegated to pharmacies, if not prescribed. Additionally, proprietary drugs may or may not require a prescription—some are available without one. They are not restricted to hospital sales, and while some proprietary drugs may contain controlled substances, this is not a defining characteristic of the category as a whole. Thus, the ability to purchase proprietary drugs from multiple sources is a fundamental aspect of their accessibility in the market.