Last Updated: 15 May 2025
Source: Statifacts
The China over the counter (OTC) drugs market size accounted for USD 12,485 million in 2024 and is predicted to touch around USD 25,564 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.42% from 2025 to 2034.
| Industry Worth | Details |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 13,127 Million |
| Market Size by 2034 | USD 25,564 Million |
| Market Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 7.42% |
Over the counter (OTC) drugs can be marketed without a prescription if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines they are effective and safe for use by a consumer without supervision by a licensed healthcare professional. Over the counter (OTC) drugs are also known as non-prescription drugs. OTC drugs help people relieve various symptoms and cure some simple conditions easily and without seeing a doctor.
The China over the counter (OTC) drugs market includes a wide range of applications, including those that can be sold directly without a prescription. OTC medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms, including acne, constipation, diarrhoea, coughs and colds, pain, and others. In China, OTC drugs include many categories, including skincare drugs, contraceptives, drugs for external use, constipation drugs, tonics, anthelmintics, vitamins, gastric antacids, gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs, pain relievers, cough drugs, and cold drugs.
Suitable regulatory environment: The CDSCO is involved in establishing a strong regulatory structure for over the counter drugs that will support policies. It helps to monitor drug safety through pharmacovigilance (post-marketing surveillance), smooth market access on time, improve product approval & market acceptance, regulatory compliance of drug products with the required standards, and drug safety and efficacy assurance.
Growing senior population: OTC self-medication is a convenient way to manage some health issues, and older persons can be at higher risk of experiencing medicine-related problems. Medicines, the most common medical intervention, are an important part of medical care for senior people. Without medicines, many senior people may function less well or die at an earlier stage.
Misuse concerns of drugs:
Major concerns of misuse of drugs include that drug addiction can lead to a range of long-term and short-term mental and physical health problems. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, depression, and stress start using drugs to try to feel less anxious. Stress can play a major role in starting and continuing drug use and also relapse in patients recovering from addiction.
Innovation in product formulation: The development of an innovative drug formulation plays an important role in improving drug efficacy, enhancing patient safety, enhancing drug availability, improving therapeutic outcomes, and promoting adherence. Development in the field, including 3D printing, biologics, personalized medicine, controlled release systems, and nanomedicine & nanotechnology.
Published by Deepa Pandey
