医い薬やく部ぶ外がい品ひん

noun

quasi-drug; medicated product

A Japanese regulatory category for products with mild medicinal effects, such as medicated cosmetics, anti-dandruff shampoos, and some oral care products. They are less strictly regulated than pharmaceuticals and can be sold in general stores.

• このシャンプーは医い薬やく部ぶ外がい品ひんです。

  This shampoo is a quasi-drug.

• 医い薬やく部ぶ外がい品ひんは薬やっ局きょくだけでなく、スーパーでも買かえます。

  Quasi-drugs can be bought not only at pharmacies but also at supermarkets.