OTC Pharmaceuticals - NAFTA | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the OTC Pharmaceuticals market amounts to US$47.02bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.69% (CAGR 2024-2029).
The market's largest segment is the segment Cold & Cough Remedies with a market volume of US$12.22bn in 2024.
In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$41bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$92.14 are generated in 2024.
In the OTC Pharmaceuticals market, 34.8% of total revenue will be generated through online sales by 2024.

Definition:
The Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals market includes non-prescription medications, treatments, and healthcare products that are available directly to consumers without a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. It includes both products which are exclusively sold in pharmacies and products which can be purchased elsewhere such as supermarkets, and online retailers. Sales by hospitals are not included.

Structure:
The market is subdivided into Analgesics, Cold and Cough Remedies, Digestives and Intestinal Remedies, Skin Treatment, Vitamins and Minerals, Hand Sanitizer, Eye care, Sleep aids, Wound care, and Other OTC Pharmaceuticals. The Analgesics market covers non-prescription pain-relief medications which help to relief aches, pains and fevers. Cold & Cough market covers non-prescription remedies aimed at relieving nasal congestion, coughing, sore throat, and related cold discomforts. The Digestives and Intestinal Remedies market encompasses non-prescription products designed to alleviate symptoms related to digestive discomfort and intestinal issues. The Skin Treatment market includes non-prescription medications formulated to address various dermatological concerns such as acne, eczema and dryness. The Vitamins and Minerals market comprises non-prescription dietary supplements containing essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. The Hand sanitizer market covers sanitizing products which are applied on hands to effectively reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses. The Eye Care market covers non-prescription products to address common eye-related discomforts such as dryness, irritation or redness. The Sleep Aids market covers non-prescription products designed to promote relaxation, alleviate insomnia, and improve sleep quality. The Wound Care market includes non-prescription products designed to facilitate wound healing and prevent infection.

Additional information:
OTC Pharmaceuticals comprises revenues, average revenue per capita. Sales channels show online and offline revenue. Revenues include VAT. The market only displays B2C revenues, hence B2B and B2G revenues are not included.
For more information on the data displayed, use the info button next to the boxes.

Natural and synthetic agents
Analgesics (e.g. Asprin, Paracetamol)
Cough & Cold remedies (e.g. Vicks VapoRub)
Vitamins and Minerals
Skin treatment products

Prescription medicines
Homeopathic remedies

The OTC Pharmaceuticals market in NAFTA has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. Customer preferences, trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors have all contributed to this development.

Customer preferences in the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in NAFTA have been shifting towards self-medication and preventative healthcare. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and affordable options for managing their health. This has led to a rise in demand for over-the-counter medications, as they provide easy access to treatments for common ailments without the need for a prescription.

Additionally, consumers are becoming more proactive in taking care of their health, leading to an increased interest in preventive healthcare products such as vitamins and dietary supplements. Trends in the market have also played a significant role in the growth of the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in NAFTA. One major trend is the increasing availability and variety of OTC medications.

Manufacturers are expanding their product portfolios to cater to a wider range of consumer needs and preferences. This includes the development of new formulations, flavors, and packaging options to make the products more appealing and user-friendly. Furthermore, there is a growing trend towards natural and herbal remedies, as consumers seek alternative and holistic approaches to healthcare.

Local special circumstances in each NAFTA country have influenced the development of the OTC Pharmaceuticals market. In the United States, for example, the prevalence of chronic diseases and the aging population have contributed to the demand for OTC medications. The Canadian market, on the other hand, has seen a rise in demand for OTC products due to the increasing cost of prescription medications and the expanding role of pharmacists in providing healthcare services.

In Mexico, the OTC Pharmaceuticals market has been driven by the growing middle class and increasing urbanization, which have led to higher disposable incomes and a greater need for accessible healthcare options. Underlying macroeconomic factors have also played a role in the growth of the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in NAFTA. Economic stability and rising disposable incomes have allowed consumers to spend more on healthcare products.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising cost of healthcare services have led to a greater reliance on OTC medications as a cost-effective solution for managing health conditions. In conclusion, the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in NAFTA is experiencing steady growth due to customer preferences, trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. The shift towards self-medication and preventative healthcare, the availability of a wide range of OTC medications, and the influence of local factors in each NAFTA country have all contributed to this development.

Data coverage:

Data encompasses B2C spend. Figures are based on the OTC Pharmaceuticals market values, representing revenues generated by both product sales which take place exclusively in pharmacies and products which can be purchased elsewhere. Sales by hospitals are not included.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined by a combined top-down and bottom-up approach, based on a specific rationale for each market market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use data from national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, and self-medication associations. Next, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as consumer healthcare spending, out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure, health system accessibilities, and GDP. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the particular market. For example, forecasts are based on historical developments, current trends, and key market indicators, using advanced statistical methods.

Additional notes:

Data is modeled in US$ using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice per year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. Whereas this market covers only OTC drugs, the Statista Pharmaceuticals market covers both OTC and prescription drugs.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Consumer market, in a PDF format.

The global pharmaceutical industry has experienced significant growth during the past two decades, with revenues totaling around 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. With growth like that, the industry's size is now comparable to the gross domestic products (GDPs) of countries like Spain, Mexico, or Australia.