The global over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market size was exhibited at USD 125.29 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 235.85 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.53% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.
Key Takeaways:
Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market by Overview
The over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market has witnessed significant growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for self-medication, convenience, and accessibility of OTC products. OTC drugs are medications that can be purchased without a prescription, making them readily available to consumers for the treatment of minor ailments and health conditions.
Growth Factors
Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market Report Scope
Report Coverage | Details |
Market Size in 2024 | USD 125.29 Billion |
Market Size by 2033 | USD 235.85 Billion |
Growth Rate From 2024 to 2033 | CAGR of 6.53% |
Base Year | 2023 |
Forecast Period | 2024-2033 |
Segments Covered | Product Insights |
Market Analysis (Terms Used) | Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units) |
Regional Scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central and South America; the Middle East and Africa |
Key Companies Profiled | Bayer AG, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Sanofi S.A., Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Novartis AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Mylan |
The prescription drugs, on the other hand, can only be sold to consumers who have a valid prescription. Over the counter (OTC) drugs are the medicines that is sold directly to a consumer without any kind of prescription from a healthcare providers or doctors. Over the counter (OTC) drugs are chosen by regulatory agencies in many countries to guarantee that they contain chemicals that are safe and effective when taken without the supervision of a physician. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of over the counter (OTC) drugs is usually regulated rather than the end product. Governments can freely create chemicals, or combinations of ingredients, into proprietary mixes by controlling APIs rather than specific medication formulations.
In recent years, the demand for over the counter (OTC) drugs has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cough and cold cases increased due to pandemic. The sale of cold and cough remedies was high during the outbreak. The consumers brought over the counter (OTC) drugs through online pharmacies. This is was due to social distancing norms and guidelines. The revenue and profit of online pharmacies increased during the epidemic of coronavirus. Such instances result into the growth of over the counter (OTC) drugs ma
The increased geriatric population, who are more susceptible to cough and cold, increased vehicle pollution, increased R&D activities leads to the high demand for over the counter (OTC) drugs in the market. An increase in the number of cough and cold cases, the development of sophisticated products, and the adoption of efficient treatments are expected to boost the overall market demand for over the counter (OTC) drugs.
In the future years, the over the counter (OTC) drugs market will be driven by the increasing availability and manufacturing of over the counter (OTC) drugs for a wide range of common illness problems. The demand for medicines is fueled by the recurrence of common colds and flu. Furthermore, the increased awareness and demand for weight loss and vitamin supplements products would significantly boost the over the counter (OTC) drugs market growth. Over the counter (OTC) drugs demand is expected to be fueled by cost-benefit analysis, positive results, and increased accessibility during the forecast period.
The development of knowledge about general health problems, as well as advancements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, are driving the global over the counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplements market. Furthermore, an increasing trend among individuals to choose over the counter (OTC) drugs for minor illnesses contributes to market growth. On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strict restrictions governing the safety and efficacy of over the counter (OTC) drugs stifle the market growth during the forecast period.
Segments Insights:
Product Insights
Based on the product, the cold & cough remedies accounted revenue share of 25% in 2021. Due to seasonal variations, the sector is expected to dominate the market due to an increase in the occurrence of common colds and coughs among the population. Increased senior population, which is more susceptible to cough and colds, increased automobile pollution, more R&D activities, and increased awareness about advanced medications are all expected to help the cough remedies segment create larger revenue in the approaching years. An increase in the number of testing and research facilities, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, would contribute to the growth of segment.
Cold and cough drugs can help to alleviate the symptoms of a regular cold. A runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing are all common cold symptoms. Cold and cough are the most prevalent illnesses in children under the age of ten and elderly population over 65, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is driving up demand for treatments.
On the other hand, the analgesics is expected to grow at rapid pace during the forecast period. This is owing to the growing senior population, which is driving up demand for pain relievers, as well as the introduction of new over the counter (OTC) drugs pain relievers. Anti-inflammatory analgesics reduce inflammation, while opioid analgesics modify pain discernment in the mind. Few of the analgesics are accessible without a prescription, while others require one. The goal of better healthcare outcomes drives the global need for analgesics. This includes pain management, which necessitates a multidisciplinary approach in order to be effective. Apart from that, manufacturers’ development of opioid analgesics with abuse-deterrent qualities has resulted in a significant demand for analgesics all over the world.
Distribution Channel Insights
Based on the distribution channel, the drug stores and retail pharmacies segment dominated the market with highest market share during 2021. This is attributed to the rising number of retail pharmacies providing over the counter (OTC) drugs. Due to the growing number of retail pharmacies offering over the counter medications and growing patient preference for these items, the drug stores and retail pharmacies category is expected to account for the greatest market share over the projection period.
On the other hand, the online pharmacies segment is fastest growing segment in the over the counter (OTC) drugs market. This is attributed to the increase in internet penetration in the developing and underdeveloped regions. An online pharmacy, often known as an internet pharmacy or a mail order pharmacy, is a pharmacy that works online and provides orders to consumers by shipping firms, mail, or an online pharmacy web portal.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
Some of the prominent players in the Over the counter (OTC) drugs market include:
Segments Covered in the Report
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global over the counter (OTC) drugs market.
By Product Type
By Dosage Form
By Route of Administration
By Distribution Channel
By Region
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Definition
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Data Sources
2.3. Assumptions & Limitations
Chapter 3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Market Variables and Scope
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Market Classification and Scope
4.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3.1. Raw Material Procurement Analysis
4.3.2. Sales and Distribution Channel Analysis
4.3.3. Downstream Buyer Analysis
Chapter 5. COVID 19 Impact on Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market
5.1. COVID-19 Landscape: Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Industry Impact
5.2. COVID 19 - Impact Assessment for the Industry
5.3. COVID 19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
5.4. Market Trends and Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape
Chapter 6. Market Dynamics Analysis and Trends
6.1. Market Dynamics
6.1.1. Market Drivers
6.1.2. Market Restraints
6.1.3. Market Opportunities
6.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
6.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers
6.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers
6.2.3. Threat of substitute
6.2.4. Threat of new entrants
6.2.5. Degree of competition
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
7.1.1. Company Market Share/Positioning Analysis
7.1.2. Key Strategies Adopted by Players
7.1.3. Vendor Landscape
7.1.3.1. List of Suppliers
7.1.3.2. List of Buyers
Chapter 8. Global Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Product
8.1. Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, by Product Type, 2021-2030
8.1.1. Analgesics
8.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.2. Cold & Cough Remedies
8.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.3. Digestives & Intestinal Remedies
8.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.4. Skin Treatment
8.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.5. Vitamins & Minerals
8.1.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
8.1.6. Others
8.1.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 9. Global Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Distribution Channel
9.1. Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, by Distribution Channel, 2021-2030
9.1.1. Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies
9.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.2. Hospital Pharmacies
9.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
9.1.3. Online Pharmacies
9.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast (2021-2033)
Chapter 10. Global Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, Regional Estimates and Trend Forecast
10.1. North America
10.1.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.1.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.1.3. U.S.
10.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.1.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.1.4. Rest of North America
10.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.1.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.2. Europe
10.2.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.2.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.2.3. UK
10.2.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.2.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.2.4. Germany
10.2.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.2.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.2.5. France
10.2.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.2.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.2.6. Rest of Europe
10.2.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.2.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.3. APAC
10.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.3.3. India
10.3.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.3.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.3.4. China
10.3.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.3.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.3.5. Japan
10.3.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.3.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.3.6. Rest of APAC
10.3.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.3.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.4. MEA
10.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.4.3. GCC
10.4.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.4.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.4.4. North Africa
10.4.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.4.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.4.5. South Africa
10.4.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.4.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.4.6. Rest of MEA
10.4.6.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.4.6.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.5. Latin America
10.5.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.5.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.5.3. Brazil
10.5.3.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.5.3.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
10.5.4. Rest of LATAM
10.5.4.1. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Product (2021-2033)
10.5.4.2. Market Revenue and Forecast, by Distribution Channel (2021-2033)
Chapter 11. Company Profiles
11.1. Bayer AG
11.1.1. Company Overview
11.1.2. Product Offerings
11.1.3. Financial Performance
11.1.4. Recent Initiatives
11.2. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.
11.2.1. Company Overview
11.2.2. Product Offerings
11.2.3. Financial Performance
11.2.4. Recent Initiatives
11.3. Pfizer
11.3.1. Company Overview
11.3.2. Product Offerings
11.3.3. Financial Performance
11.3.4. Recent Initiatives
11.4. Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.
11.4.1. Company Overview
11.4.2. Product Offerings
11.4.3. Financial Performance
11.4.4. Recent Initiatives
11.5. Sanofi S.A.
11.5.1. Company Overview
11.5.2. Product Offerings
11.5.3. Financial Performance
11.5.4. Recent Initiatives
11.6. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
11.6.1. Company Overview
11.6.2. Product Offerings
11.6.3. Financial Performance
11.6.4. Recent Initiatives
11.7. Novartis AG
11.7.1. Company Overview
11.7.2. Product Offerings
11.7.3. Financial Performance
11.7.4. Recent Initiatives
11.8. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
11.8.1. Company Overview
11.8.2. Product Offerings
11.8.3. Financial Performance
11.8.4. Recent Initiatives
11.9. GlaxoSmithKline PLC
11.9.1. Company Overview
11.9.2. Product Offerings
11.9.3. Financial Performance
11.9.4. Recent Initiatives
11.10. Mylan
11.10.1. Company Overview
11.10.2. Product Offerings
11.10.3. Financial Performance
11.10.4. Recent Initiatives
Chapter 12. Research Methodology
12.1. Primary Research
12.2. Secondary Research
12.3. Assumptions
Chapter 13. Appendix
13.1. About Us
13.2. Glossary of Terms