nhalenguyenanh (asker) Apr 9, 2015:

So I guess, 外 here does not refer to OTC, since the drug is already classified as Second-class OTC drugs

nhalenguyenanh (asker) Apr 4, 2015:

And there are also drugs whose packaging are marked with encircled 内　as follows:
http://postimg.org/image/wqh2ngz0z/

nhalenguyenanh (asker) Apr 4, 2015:

Drugs with prices are marked with （外）, while those without prices aren't.

Port City Apr 3, 2015:

OK. That makes sense. Thanks.

David Gibney Apr 3, 2015:

"Quasi-medicine" should not be used. The question relates to the "packaging of drugs". A "medicated" product contains medicine.

Port City Apr 3, 2015:

Quasi-medicine If 外 is an abbreviation for 医薬部外品 (and I think it is), it includes medicated toothpastes and shampoos available on supermarket shelves. Hence, I find it a bit odd to use the term medication/medicine. Maybe quasi-medicine?
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/歯磨剤
http://www.shampoo-analyst.com/knowledge.html
You can even buy 医薬部外品 products from online shops such as Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/クリーンデンタル-第一三共ヘルスケア-100g-【医薬部外品】/dp/B...

nhalenguyenanh (asker) Apr 3, 2015:

This is a snapshot of the original text:
http://postimg.org/image/iajrn0239/

nhalenguyenanh (asker) Apr 2, 2015:

In fact, 外 is encircled, not in bracket