The advertising to the general public of OTC drugs is basically under the regulatory responsibilities of which agency?

The advertising of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs primarily falls under the regulatory responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC's role involves ensuring that advertisements are not misleading and that the claims made about the products are truthful and substantiated. The agency focuses on consumer protection in the marketplace, making sure that consumers receive accurate information regarding the products they are considering for purchase, thereby promoting fair competition.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does play a crucial role in the regulation of OTC drugs, primarily concerning their safety, efficacy, and labeling before they can be marketed, it does not have direct jurisdiction over advertising practices. The FDA regulates the content of the product labels and package inserts but does not oversee how these products are promoted in ads. Therefore, for advertising-related matters specifically, the FTC is the appropriate regulatory body that oversees the claims and marketing strategies employed by companies. This delineation of responsibilities is critical for maintaining consumer protection in drug advertising.