OTC Drugs Market in India Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The OTC Drugs Market in India Report is Segmented by Product (Cough, Cold, and Flu Products, Analgesics, Dermatology Products, Gastrointestinal Products, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements [VMS], and Other Products) and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Other Distribution Channels). The Report Offers the Value (USD) for the Above Segments.

OTC Drugs Market in India Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market Size

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India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market Summary
Study Period 2021 - 2030
Base Year For Estimation 2024
Forecast Data Period 2025 - 2030
Market Size (2025) USD 7.09 Billion
Market Size (2030) USD 9.22 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2030) 5.39 %
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market Analysis

The India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 7.09 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 9.22 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The major factors driving the growth of the OTC drug sector include a shift toward self medication by consumers, product innovation, and the inclination of pharmaceutical companies toward OTC drugs compared to prescription drugs in the country.

Self medication is taking medicines designed and labeled for treating common health problems without a physician's prescription. Easy access, convenience, and time-saving are the most common reasons for self medication. Moreover, self-medication with over the counter drugs (non-prescription drugs) has increased in the past years owing to its advantages, such as improving accessibility. An increase in self-medication among the population in India is expected to boost the growth of the OTC drugs market during the forecast period. For instance, according to the report published by the Cureus Journal in January 2023, self-medication is rising at a significant rate in the country. The high prevalence of self-medication in the country, with 60% of individuals engaging in this practice, is significantly driving the growth of the OTC market in India. The predominant use of analgesics (66.25%) and antipyretics (59.16%) for common ailments like fever, body aches, and common colds indicates a robust demand for these products. Additionally, the inclination of individuals with education above the high school level towards self-medication underscores an expanding consumer base that perceives over the counter drugs as a convenient and time-saving solution for minor health issues.

Additionally, according to a report published by the Sage Open Medical Journal in March 2024, the high prevalence of self-medication, particularly in urban areas, is driving the growth of the India OTC market, with convenience and lack of time being key motivators. The predominant use of allopathic medicines and reliance on pharmacist recommendations highlight a consumer preference for easily accessible healthcare solutions. This trend is further supported by demographic factors such as higher self-medication rates among females and skilled workers, indicating a robust market potential for the OTC pharmaceuticals market. Hence, with the high percentage of people undergoing self-medication in India, the over the counter drugs market is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period.

However, price cuts for various active pharmaceutical ingredients, restrictions for advertising, and lack of stringent regulations for over the counter drugs in India are expected to hinder the market's growth during the study period.

India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Industry Overview

The Indian over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is competitive in nature, with several leading OTC pharma companies operating in the sector. The industry players are focusing on new product developments and acquisition strategies to gain market shares. Additionally, the key players have been involved in various strategic alliances, such as acquisitions and collaborations, with the launch of advanced products to secure their position in the market. The major OTC pharmaceutical companies in the market are Emami Limited, Dabur India Limited, Proctor & Gamble, Abbott Laboratories, and GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market Leaders

  1. Emami Limited

  2. Dabur India Limited

  3. Procter & Gamble

  4. Abbott Laboratories

  5. GlaxoSmithKline PLC

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India OTC Drugs Market Concentration
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India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Market News

  • April 2024: Nestle India and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd entered a definitive agreement to form a joint venture to bring innovative nutraceutical brands to consumers in India and other agreed territories. Dr Reddy’s has licensed brands such as Rebalanz, Celevida, Antoxid, Kidrich-D3, and Becozinc in the nutrition and OTC (over-the-counter) segments.
  • March 2024: Emcure Pharmaceuticals launched its new over-the-counter (OTC) product, Galact, and entered the OTC market.

OTC Drugs in India Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumption and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Shift Toward Self Medication by Consumers
    • 4.2.2 Product Innovations
    • 4.2.3 Inclination of Pharmaceutical Companies Toward OTC Drugs from RX Drugs
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Price Cuts for Various Ingredients and Restrictions for Advertising
    • 4.3.2 Lack of Specific Regulations for OTC Drugs
  • 4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD)

  • 5.1 By Product
    • 5.1.1 Cough, Cold, and Flu Products
    • 5.1.2 Analgesics
    • 5.1.3 Dermatology Products
    • 5.1.4 Gastrointestinal Products
    • 5.1.5 Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS)
    • 5.1.6 Other Products
  • 5.2 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.2.1 Hospital Pharmacies
    • 5.2.2 Retail Pharmacies
    • 5.2.3 Other Distribution Channels

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Company Profiles
    • 6.1.1 GlaxoSmithKline PLC
    • 6.1.2 Emami Limited
    • 6.1.3 Abbott Laboratories
    • 6.1.4 Dabur India Limited
    • 6.1.5 Procter & Gamble
    • 6.1.6 Reckitt Benckiser
    • 6.1.7 Sun Pharmaceuticals Limited
    • 6.1.8 Cipla Inc.
    • 6.1.9 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
    • 6.1.10 Johnson & Johnson
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

**Subject to Availability
**Competitive Landscape Covers - Business Overview, Financials, Products and Strategies, and Recent Developments
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India Over-the-counter Drugs (OTC) Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, over-the-counter drugs are referred to as non-prescription drugs. These medicines can be bought by individuals without a doctor's prescription and are safe for consumption without the doctor's consent. The Indian over-the-counter (OTC) drug market is segmented by product and distribution channel. The product segment is further divided into cough, cold, and flu products, analgesics, dermatology products, gastrointestinal products, vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS), and other products. By distribution channel, the market is further segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other distribution channels. The report offers the value (USD) for the above segments.

By Product Cough, Cold, and Flu Products
Analgesics
Dermatology Products
Gastrointestinal Products
Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS)
Other Products
By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Other Distribution Channels
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OTC Drugs in India Market Research FAQs

How big is the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market?

The India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 7.09 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.39% to reach USD 9.22 billion by 2030.

What is the current India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size?

In 2025, the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 7.09 billion.

Who are the key players in India Over-the-counter Drugs Market?

Emami Limited, Dabur India Limited, Procter & Gamble, Abbott Laboratories and GlaxoSmithKline PLC are the major companies operating in the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market.

What years does this India Over-the-counter Drugs Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size was estimated at USD 6.71 billion. The report covers the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the India Over-the-counter Drugs Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

OTC Drugs in India Industry Report

The India OTC drugs market is experiencing significant growth, marked by an increasing geriatric population, enhanced health awareness, and a rise in self-medication. This expansion is further supported by e-commerce pharmacies' popularity and field advancements, coupled with government efforts toward making OTC drugs more accessible and affordable. The shift toward self-treatment, influenced by high medical consultation fees and an aging population prone to various health conditions, is crucial in driving the demand for OTC products. Moreover, continuous innovations in product development alongside the strengthening of online sales avenues are anticipated to boost market growth. The market is also witnessing substantial R&D investments, leading to the launch of innovative products designed to meet the demands for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective healthcare solutions, signifying a promising outlook for the sector. Statistics for the OTC Drugs in India market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. OTC Drugs in India analysis includes a market forecast outlook and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.