also: うりぐすり
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
patent medicine; over-the-counter drug
Refers to ready-made, commercially sold medicines that do not require a prescription. Often used in historical or traditional contexts, but still understood today.
江戸時代には、売薬が広く使われていた。
During the Edo period, patent medicines were widely used.
この売薬は頭痛に効く。
This over-the-counter medicine works for headaches.
Alternate spelling with okurigana; reading うりぐすり is less common but still used.
Compound of 売 (bai, 'sell') and 薬 (yaku, 'medicine'). The reading うりぐすり uses native Japanese readings (kun'yomi) for the same characters.