OTC Pharmaceuticals - India | Statista Market Forecast

The OTC Pharmaceuticals market in India is projected to generate a revenue of INR US$7.53bn in 2024.
With an expected annual growth rate of 8.14%, the market shows promising potential for the period of 2024-2029 (CAGR 2024-2029).
Among the various markets within the market, the Vitamins & Minerals segment stands out as the largest, with a market volume of INR US$2.63bn in 2024.
When compared globally, the United States leads the pack in revenue generation, with INR US$41.24bn in 2024.
Considering the population size, the per person revenue in India is estimated to be INR US$5.22 in 2024.
Furthermore, online sales are expected to contribute 5.67% of the total revenue in the OTC Pharmaceuticals market by 2024.
India's OTC Pharmaceuticals market is experiencing a surge in demand for traditional herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicines.

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 India is experiencing significant growth and development.

Customer preferences: Customers in India are increasingly seeking convenience and accessibility when it comes to healthcare products. This has led to a rise in demand for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals, as they can be purchased without a prescription and are readily available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms. Additionally, customers are becoming more health-conscious and are taking proactive measures to manage their health and well-being. This has resulted in a growing interest in self-medication and the use of OTC pharmaceuticals for common ailments and preventive care.

Trends in the market: One major trend in the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in India is the increasing availability of a wide range of products. Pharmacies and retail outlets are expanding their OTC offerings to cater to the diverse needs of customers. This includes products for pain relief, cough and cold, digestive health, skin care, and vitamins and supplements. Furthermore, there is a growing trend of OTC pharmaceuticals being marketed as natural or herbal alternatives, appealing to customers who prefer a more holistic approach to healthcare.Another trend in the market is the rise of e-commerce platforms for purchasing OTC pharmaceuticals. Online pharmacies and healthcare platforms have gained popularity in India, providing customers with the convenience of ordering medicines from the comfort of their homes. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have turned to online channels to avoid physical contact and minimize the risk of infection.

Local special circumstances: India has a large population with varying levels of access to healthcare services. OTC pharmaceuticals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the demand for healthcare products and the availability of healthcare professionals. In rural areas and remote regions where access to doctors and pharmacies may be limited, OTC pharmaceuticals offer a convenient and affordable solution for basic healthcare needs. Additionally, the affordability of OTC pharmaceuticals makes them accessible to a wide range of socio-economic groups in India.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growing OTC Pharmaceuticals market in India is driven by several macroeconomic factors. Firstly, the increasing disposable income and rising middle class in India have led to an expansion of the consumer base for OTC pharmaceuticals. As people have more disposable income, they are willing to spend on healthcare products that can improve their quality of life.Secondly, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to the demand for OTC pharmaceuticals. Urban dwellers often lead hectic lives and may not have the time or inclination to visit a doctor for minor ailments. OTC pharmaceuticals provide a convenient solution for managing common health issues without the need for a prescription.Lastly, the government's initiatives to promote self-care and reduce the burden on healthcare infrastructure have also played a role in the growth of the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in India. The government has been encouraging the use of OTC pharmaceuticals for minor ailments and preventive care, freeing up healthcare resources for more critical cases.In conclusion, the OTC Pharmaceuticals market in India is experiencing growth due to customer preferences for convenience and accessibility, the availability of a wide range of products, the rise of e-commerce platforms, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors such as increasing disposable income, urbanization, and government initiatives.

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 Health market, in a PDF format.

The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the research, development, production, and distribution of medications. The market has experienced significant growth during the past two decades, and pharma revenues worldwide totaled 1.48 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022.