Drug stores are places where people get their medication. Originally, drug stores had doctors who conducted medical examinations, prescribed medicines, and also made those medicines. These days, drug stores are more or less just shops that dispense medications. 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 need a prescription from a qualified doctor. There are many kinds of drug stores including community drug stores (includes a doctor as well as the pharmacist), hospital drug stores (attached to the hospital), and online drug stores.

Drug stores generally classify their medications into several categories including baby, child care, cosmetics, 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 also provide valuable services such as lab services, medical clinics, health screenings, classes and events, and counseling by pharmacists.

Online drug stores, as opposed to traditional brick and mortar drug stores, are stores that enable one to shop for drugs over the internet. Many regular drug stores now have their own websites that enable online ordering of medicines. The procedure is also very easy as the drugs just have to be selected from a list, specifying strength, quantity, and form. A simple click of the button will confirm the order. Other ways to order drugs online are: mailing the prescription to the drug store, having the doctor call or fax the prescription directly to the drug store, or the drug store could call the doctor. Payment can be made by credit card or by insurance/discount card. The medicines will arrive within 14 days.

Online drug stores also provide other value added services like customized prescription records for insurance or tax records, information about drug recalls, as well as other safety notices, online counseling by pharmacists, and drug refill reminder services.