Germany Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market

The Germany over the counter (OTC) drugs market size was estimated at USD 10,439 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 19,733 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.57% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the Germany Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market

• By product, the cold & cough remedies segment underwent notable growth in the market during 2024.
• By product, the analgesics segment is anticipated to expand rapidly.
• By distribution channel, the drug stores and retail pharmacies segment experienced significant expansion in the market.
• By distribution channel, the online pharmacies segment is expected to emerge with notable growth during the forecast period.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

Over the counter (OTC) drugs, also known as non-prescription medicine, are a category of medicine that are purchased by patients without a doctor’s prescription and are widely used to treat mild infections and less severe medical issues such as the common cold, cough, fever, and pain. Despite being available freely, these drugs are regulated by the German health authorities and contain clear labelling for dosage, warnings, and ingredients.

The German OTC drugs market is a rapidly growing one, with the key drivers being the rising health awareness amongst the German population, expansion in pharmaceutical infrastructures in retail and e-commerce, and cultural acceptance of self-medication. Furthermore, the government's support and established pharmaceutical brands also aid in the market growth for such OTC drugs.

Market Trends

• Cultural acceptance of self-medication: The German population preferences have shifted from clinical visits for minor inconveniences to treatment at home through OTC drugs with available medical information on digital platforms. Particularly due to long wait times at clinics and hospitals.
• Strong pharmacy infrastructure: Strong infrastructure for healthcare in retail pharmaceutical stores and e-commerce in Europe, especially in Germany, contributes significantly to the OTC drugs market growth.
• Aging population: With an aging population in Europe and particularly in Germany, the demand for OTC drugs increases for minor ailments, thus increasing market growth for OTC drugs in Germany.

Restraints

• Limited digital growth: Strict laws for advertisement, sales, and pharmacist involvement in Germany restrict the scalability of the OTC drugs market.
• Brand loyalty and market saturation: Well-established brands dominate the OTC drugs market, which makes it very difficult for new entrants to penetrate the market.

Opportunity

• Growth of natural and herbal remedies: The growth in adoption of natural and herbal remedies is growing amongst patients for self-medication.
• Digital health integration: Digital health integration in the OTC drugs market plays a vital role in increasing awareness of such OTC drugs.
• Product innovation: Product innovation with new medicine expands the market reach to a greater number of people for various individuals.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Germany-based Merck KGaA is in talks to buy SpringWorks Therapeutics, a cancer drug maker, yet there have not been any legal confirmations about the transaction going further.
• In August 2024, Germany's Expert Committee on Prescription recommended the Rx-to-OTC switch of an azelastine and fluticasone propionate combination nasal spray for the second time, and also the low-cost smoking cessation drug cystine was denied again for the second time.