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Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Size: In-Depth Analysis
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Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Research Report 2024

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Global Industry Analysis And Forecast (2024-2032) By Product Type (Cough, Cold & Flu Products, Analgesics, Dermatology Products, Gastrointestinal Products, Vitamins, Minerals, & Supplements (VMS), And Weight loss/ Dietary Products, Ophthalmic Products, Sleeping Aids), Formulation (Tablets/ Capsules, Creams/ Ointments, Powders, Liquids, Lozenges, And Sprays), End-user (Self-medication, Hospitals/ Clinics), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), And Region

Published date: Mar 2025 Report ID: 247 Number of Pages: 250
Format:

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Synopsis

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Size Was Valued at USD 125.23 Billion in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 221.10 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 6.52% From 2024-2032.

OTC drugs, also called over-the-counter medications, are medicines that can be bought without a prescription from a store or pharmacy. These medications are commonly prescribed for minor health problems like headaches, cold symptoms, allergies, mild pains, and digestive problems.

Over-the-counter medications can be easily accessed without a prescription, enabling people to quickly deal with minor health problems without having to see a doctor which is beneficial in cases where quick relief or symptom control is needed.Over-the-counter medications are typically less expensive than prescription drugs. They can address symptoms of minor health issues like headaches, allergies, coughs, and colds, leading to better comfort and overall health.

Certain over-the-counter medications encourage preventative health measures by providing protection or relief for chronic health conditions. Over-the-counter medications frequently include specific directions for use and dosage recommendations. This helps individuals understand health better and motivates them to learn about their health conditions, correct medication use, and possible side effects.Over-the-counter medications are useful in emergencies or when immediate medical attention is unavailable. People can use these drugs to control pain, lower fever, or deal with other general health issues.

  • The United States is leading the ranking by revenue in the OTC pharmaceuticals market, recording 39.8 billion U.S. dollars. Following closely behind is China with 29.2 billion U.S. dollars.

Top Active Players Involved Are:

“Johnson and Johnson (United States), Perrigo Company Plc (Ireland), Bayer AG (Germany), Sanofi (France), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (United Kingdom), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel), GlaxoSmithKline plc (United Kingdom), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (India), Alkem Labs (India), Cipla Inc (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Pfizer Inc (United States), Procter & Gamble (United States), Cooper Consumer Health (United States), AERIE Pharmaceuticals, Inc (United States), AbbVie (United States), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (United States), Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Japan), Church & Dwight Co., Inc (United States), Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa), Stada Arzneimittel AG (Germany), Meda Pharmaceuticals (Sweden), Watson Laboratories, Inc. (United States), and Catalent, Inc. (United States), and Other Active Players.”

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Segment Analysis:

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is Segmented on the basis of Product Type, Formulation, End-user, and Distribution Channel.

By Product Type, Cough, Cold & Flu Products Segment Is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

There are eight segments by product type such as cough, cold & flu products, analgesics, dermatology products, gastrointestinal products, vitamins, minerals, & supplements (VMS), and weight loss/ dietary products, ophthalmic products, sleeping aids. Among these, the cough, cold & flu products segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

  • Cough, cold, and flu are prevalent respiratory infections that impact a significant portion of the global population. These factors result in coughing, congestion, a sore throat, and fever which contributes to the dominance in the market.
  • Cough, cold, and flu infections frequently follow a seasonal trend, with the highest occurrences in certain seasons like winter helping the segment to dominate. The availability and convenience of OTC cough, cold & flu products empower consumers to manage their symptoms effectively.
  • Consumers have many options to choose from for products that can cater to their particular symptoms and preferences. Having various options in formulations meets the different requirements of people.
  • Individuals seeking quick relief and convenience often turn to OTC cough, cold & flu products to alleviate their symptoms. The fast-acting nature of these products and their widespread availability in pharmacies and retail outlets make them a convenient choice for consumers.

By Distribution Channel, Retail Pharmacies Segment Held the Largest Share In 2023

There are three segments by distribution channel such as hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Among these, the retail pharmacies segment held the largest share in 2023.

  • Retail pharmacies are conveniently located and easily accessible, allowing individuals to buy over-the-counter medications without needing a prescription. These pharmacies can be found in numerous locations like main streets, malls, and grocery stores, enabling customers to easily buy over-the-counter medications.
  • Retail pharmacies offer a chance for consumers to receive consultation and engage with pharmacists. The customized guidance given by pharmacists aids in establishing a bond with clients and promotes continued patronage at retail pharmacies.
  • Retail pharmacies provide a variety of over-the-counter products like cough, cold, and flu remedies, pain relievers, skin care items, digestive aids, vitamins, minerals, supplements, weight loss products, and eye care items. The broad selection of products meets various customer needs, leading to higher sales.
  • Retail pharmacies must comply with regulations to guarantee that OTC drugs are both accessible and of high quality for customers. These rules help maintain stable prices and ensure drugs are consistently accessible.

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Regional Insights:

North America is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast Period

  • North America has fully established hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. These healthcare facilities are essential for the dissemination and availability of over-the-counter medications making OTC drugs readily available and easy to access.
  • Consumers in North America have a strong understanding of self-care and take initiative in controlling their health. They possess good knowledge about over-the-counter medications and their advantages, which is why OTC drugs are commonly used for self-treating everyday illnesses.
  • North America has a solid regulatory structure in place for overseeing OTC drugs, which guarantees their safety, quality, and effectiveness. Organizations like the FDA and Health Canada uphold strict guidelines for OTC medications, establishing trust among consumers for the products on the market.
  • North America, specifically the United States and Canada, boasts a greater disposable income than various other areas. Having greater disposable income allows people to purchase over-the-counter medications and prioritize their own self-care.

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Active Players

  • Johnson and Johnson (United States)
  • Perrigo Company Plc (Ireland)
  • Bayer AG (Germany)
  • Sanofi (France)
  • Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India)
  • Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (United Kingdom)
  • Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel)
  • GlaxoSmithKline plc (United Kingdom)
  • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (India)
  • Alkem Labs (India)
  • Cipla Inc (India)
  • Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India)
  • Pfizer Inc (United States)
  • Procter & Gamble (United States)
  • Cooper Consumer Health (United States)
  • AERIE Pharmaceuticals, Inc (United States)
  • AbbVie (United States)
  • Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (United States)
  • Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Japan)
  • Church & Dwight Co., Inc (United States)
  • Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa)
  • Stada Arzneimittel AG (Germany)
  • Meda Pharmaceuticals (Sweden)
  • Watson Laboratories, Inc. (United States)
  • Catalent, Inc. (United States) and Other Active Players.

Key Industry Developments in the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market:

  • In March 2024, Perrigo Company, a leading provider of Consumer Self-Care Products announced that Opill® has shipped to major retailers and pharmacies and will be available on shelves nationwide. Opill® is the first-ever daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the U.S.
  • In August 2023, Emergent BioSolutions launched an over-the-counter version of its opioid overdose treatment Narcan, emphasizing the potential for the product to keep loved ones safe with the tagline “anyone can save a life.” NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose.

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market

Base Year:

2023

Forecast Period:

2024-2032

Historical Data:

2017 to 2023

Market Size in 2023:

USD 125.23 Bn.

Forecast Period 2024-32 CAGR:

6.52 %

Market Size in 2032:

USD 221.10 Bn.

Segments Covered:

By Product Type

  • Cough, Cold & Flu Products
  • Analgesics
  • Dermatology Products
  • Gastrointestinal Products
  • Vitamins, Minerals, & Supplements (VMS)
  • Weight loss/ Dietary Products
  • Ophthalmic Products
  • Sleeping Aids

By Formulation

  • Tablets/ Capsules
  • Creams/ Ointments
  • Powders
  • Liquids
  • Lozenges
  • Sprays

By End-user

  • Self-medication
  • Hospitals/ Clinics

By Distribution Channel

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies

By Region

  • North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
  • Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)
  • Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)
  •  Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New-Zealand, Rest of APAC)
  • Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)
  • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

Key Market Drivers:

  • Accessibility and Affordability of Over the Counter Drugs

Key Market Restraints:

  • Chances of Wrong Medications Due to Self-medications

Key Opportunities:

  • Development and Launch of New OTC Products

Companies Covered in the report:

  • Johnson and Johnson (United States), Perrigo Company Plc (Ireland), Bayer AG (Germany), Sanofi (France), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India), and Other Active Players.

Chapter 1: Introduction

 1.1 Scope and Coverage



Chapter 2:Executive Summary



Chapter 3: Market Landscape

 3.1 Market Dynamics

  3.1.1 Drivers

  3.1.2 Restraints

  3.1.3 Opportunities

  3.1.4 Challenges

 3.2 Market Trend Analysis

 3.3 PESTLE Analysis

 3.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

 3.5 Industry Value Chain Analysis

 3.6 Ecosystem

 3.7 Regulatory Landscape

 3.8 Price Trend Analysis

 3.9 Patent Analysis

 3.10 Technology Evolution

 3.11 Investment Pockets

 3.12 Import-Export Analysis



Chapter 4: Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market by By Product Type

 4.1 Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Snapshot and Growth Engine

 4.2 Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Overview

 4.3 Cough

  4.3.1 Introduction and Market

Frequently Asked Questions

What would be the forecast period in the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market research report?

The forecast period in the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market research report is 2024-2032.

Who are the key players in the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market?

Johnson and Johnson (United States), Perrigo Company Plc (Ireland), Bayer AG (Germany), Sanofi (France), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India), Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (United Kingdom), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel), GlaxoSmithKline plc (United Kingdom), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (India), Alkem Labs (India), Cipla Inc (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Pfizer Inc (United States), Procter & Gamble (United States), Cooper Consumer Health (United States), AERIE Pharmaceuticals, Inc (United States), AbbVie (United States), Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (United States), Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Japan), Church & Dwight Co., Inc (United States), Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (South Africa), Stada Arzneimittel AG (Germany), Meda Pharmaceuticals (Sweden), Watson Laboratories, Inc. (United States), and Catalent, Inc. (United States), and Other Active Players.

What are the segments of the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market?

The Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is segmented into Product Type, Formulation, End-user, Distribution Channel, and region. By Product Type, the market is categorized into Cough, Cold & Flu Products, Analgesics, Dermatology Products, Gastrointestinal Products, Vitamins, Minerals, & Supplements (VMS), Weight loss/ Dietary Products, Ophthalmic Products, Sleeping Aids. By Formulation, the market is categorized into Tablets/ Capsules, Creams/ Ointments, Powders, Liquids, Lozenges, And Sprays. By End-user, the market is categorized into Self-medication, Hospitals/ Clinics. By Distribution Channel, the market is categorized into Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies. By region, it is analyzed across North America (U.S.; Canada; Mexico), Eastern Europe (Bulgaria; The Czech Republic; Hungary; Poland; Romania; Rest of Eastern Europe), Western Europe (Germany; UK; France; Netherlands; Italy; Russia; Spain; Rest of Western Europe), Asia-Pacific (China; India; Japan; Southeast Asia, etc.), South America (Brazil; Argentina, etc.), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia; South Africa, etc.).

What is the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market?

OTC drugs, also called over-the-counter medications, are medicines that can be bought without a prescription from a store or pharmacy. These medications are commonly prescribed for minor health problems like headaches, cold symptoms, allergies, mild pains, and digestive problems.

How big is the Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market?

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Size Was Valued at USD 125.23 Billion in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 221.10 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 6.52% From 2024-2032.

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Report ID: 247

Published Date: 2025-03-13

Number of Pages: 250

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