Gastrointestinal Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drugs Global Market Report 2025

The gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $45.73 billion in 2024 to $49.59 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, growing consumer inclination toward self-medication, expanded availability of OTC proton pump inhibitors, rising awareness of digestive health, and the growing elderly population susceptible to gastrointestinal issues.

The gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $67.88 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rising demand for fast-acting symptom relief options, greater penetration of e-commerce pharmacy platforms, increased availability of combination OTC treatments, growing emphasis on gut microbiome health, and intensified marketing and awareness efforts by major industry players. Key trends anticipated during the forecast period include advancements in the formulation of quick-acting antacids, innovation in probiotic-based OTC products, incorporation of herbal ingredients into digestive treatments, improvements in packaging for accurate dosing and portability, and the development of sustained-release gastrointestinal therapies.

The growing prevalence of digestive disorders is expected to drive the expansion of the gastrointestinal OTC drugs market in the coming years. Digestive disorders encompass various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, and related organs. This rise in digestive issues is primarily linked to increased consumption of processed, low-fiber foods, which negatively impact gut health and digestion. Gastrointestinal OTC medications help alleviate symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid, regulating bowel function, and supporting gut health. They offer quick and convenient relief for common problems such as acidity, constipation, and indigestion. For example, in December 2023, IBD Registry Ltd., a UK-based non-profit organization, reported that the number of individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surpassed 5,300, representing a rise of over 3,000 compared to 2022. Thus, the increasing occurrence of digestive disorders is fueling the growth of the gastrointestinal OTC drugs market.

Leading companies in the gastrointestinal OTC drugs market are prioritizing the development of advanced products, such as over-the-counter (OTC) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), to deliver effective and long-lasting relief from acid-related conditions. OTC PPIs are a category of medications available without a prescription that work by reducing stomach acid production. They are frequently used to manage ailments like frequent heartburn, acid reflux (GERD), and gastric ulcers. For example, in March 2025, Eisai Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in Japan, received approval to convert its Pariet S (rabeprazole sodium 10 mg) from a prescription (RX) to an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. This marked the first OTC PPI in Japan containing the same active ingredient and dosage as its prescription counterpart. Pariet S is used to treat stomach pain, heartburn, and bloating, offering 24-hour relief through a once-daily, easy-to-swallow tablet, and is designed to meet the increasing demand for effective gastric acid-related therapies prompted by lifestyle and demographic changes.

In June 2022, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in the U.S., acquired select OTC medications from Wockhardt Ltd. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Glenmark’s OTC product portfolio in the U.S. market, with a particular focus on the gastrointestinal segment. Wockhardt Limited, also based in the U.S., is a pharmaceutical company that produces gastrointestinal OTC drugs.

Major players in the gastrointestinal over-the-counter (otc) drugs market are Pfizer Inc., Procter & Gamble Co., Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., Bayer AG, Novartis AG, Sanofi S.A., AstraZeneca plc, Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Haleon plc, Sandoz AG, Bausch Health Companies Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Perrigo Company plc, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are non-prescription medications used to prevent or treat common digestive issues. They provide quick and convenient relief for problems like indigestion and irregular bowel movements, helping to effectively manage mild to moderate digestive discomfort and promote overall digestive health in a safe and accessible manner.

The primary categories of gastrointestinal OTC drugs include antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, anti-emetics, and others. Antacids are drugs that work by neutralizing stomach acid to alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. These medications are available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and more, and are used for various conditions like heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and others. They are distributed through multiple channels such as direct tender, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and more, and are utilized by key end-users, including hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, and others.

The gastrointestinal OTC drugs market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides gastrointestinal OTC drugs market statistics, including the gastrointestinal OTC drugs industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the gastrointestinal OTC drugs market share, detailed gastrointestinal OTC drugs market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the gastrointestinal OTC drugs industry. This gastrointestinal OTC drugs market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market consists of sales of digestive enzymes, probiotics, stool softeners, and fiber supplements. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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