That's not how I would describe the situation. In America you can buy topical antibiotics at convenience stores, but you get a lecture if you ask for something

That's not how I would describe the situation. In America you can buy topical antibiotics at convenience stores, but you get a lecture if you ask for something stronger. Painkillers are prescription only and there's very little stigma for something like Tylenol 3. In Australia you can buy codeine over the counter, but you get a lecture if you ask for something stronger. Antibiotics are prescription only but have no stigma.