Drug stores are stores that sell medication. Sometimes known as pharmacies, drug stores were originally places where medications were prepared by a pharmacist. The pharmacist even used to act as a doctor and prescribe medicine. These days, drug stores just dispense medicine that is made by other companies.

Drug stores provide medications for all kinds of ailments. These can be prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs. Over-the-counter drugs do not require a prescription from a doctor. There are many kinds of drug stores: community drug stores (includes a doctor as well as pharmacist), hospital drug store (attached to the hospital), and online drug stores. In many countries, the pharmacist is registered and qualified. However, these days, there are many supermarkets that house pharmacies.

Drug stores generally classify their medication into several categories such as baby, child care, cosmetic, diet, nutrition, gifts, specialty, home medical supplies, household items, natural products, online exclusives, personal care, bath, sexual health, skin care, vitamins, and supplements. Many drug stores are also providing other valuable services such as: lab services, medical clinics, health screenings, classes, events, and counseling by pharmacists. These include providing treatment for infections such as the common cold, cold sores, ear infections, sinusitis, swimmers ear, sore throat, medical screening for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol screening, liver enzyme testing, HIV screening, and TB testing. Some pharmacies even have a hand in treating minor injuries such as neck and back pain, muscle strains, tendonitis, as well as offering physical examinations for school/sports, pre-employment, and DMV/commercial driver fitness. Pharmacies can even dispense vaccinations.

These days, there are also chain drug stores in every country. There are over 120 associations across the world that relate to drug stores and pharmacies.