Dozens of companies that specialize in selling pharmaceuticals over the Internet will ask the health ministry to scrap a bill that would limit such sales, some of the firms said Monday.

The companies argue that selling drugs online makes it easier for customers to buy over-the-counter products such as pregnancy tests and medicines for constipation and athlete's foot, and that this convenient method of shopping should be maintained.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to submit a bill to limit such sales to the Diet during the legislative session that begins Friday.

Online pharmaceutical sales have been booming, with more than 100 companies entering the market. Buyers prefer the convenience of online shopping and because it allows them to avoid the embarrassment of dealing with a shop clerk when purchasing certain products. Online drugs are also popular with people who have difficultly leaving their homes, such as those with disabilities and mothers with small children.

A health ministry panel published a report in December that divided nonprescription drugs into three categories according to risk.

The report says only drugs in the lowest-risk category should be available online.

Pregnancy tests and athlete's foot medication are classified in the medium-risk category. Purchasing the products online will be banned if the bill passes.

Genri Goto, president of Kenko.com, the country's largest online drugstore, said purchasing products online offers advantages over conventional drugstores. Information on a product's side effects, for example, is available instantly, he said.

Sensitive questions, he added, are often easier to ask online.