OTC Pediatric Healthcare Market

OTC Pediatric Healthcare Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global OTC pediatric healthcare market is valued at US$ 11 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach US$ 18 billion by 2033-end. Fact.MR has forecasted the market to expand at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2033.

• Sales of dermatology OTC pediatric drugs are expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.2% over the next ten years.

Growing awareness of the need for early diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases among children is boosting the global demand for dermatology OTC pediatric drugs.

From infancy through young adulthood, the physical, mental, and social health of children is the focus of the medical science field of pediatrics. From preventative health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic disorders, pediatric care covers a wide range of medical services.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. OTC drugs are used to treat minor ailments and are usually consumed based on self-diagnosis. OTC drugs are available at pharmacies, small convenience stores, and supermarkets.

Many common illnesses and problems in children are treated with OTC pediatric healthcare products. OTC pediatric healthcare is used to address minor conditions or issues. It is a type of self-medication that does not need a prescription from a doctor or chemist due to its low risk of misuse and overdose.

Rising prevalence of pediatric illnesses, expanding public awareness of self-medication, and rising demand for over-the-counter medications are the factors boosting market expansion. Other elements driving this market include an increase in R&D activities, a rise in product releases, and the surging need for pediatric healthcare apothecaries.

Parents prioritize their children's health and well-being, and they strongly favor taking medicine that has been recommended to them by doctors or pediatricians. Several reputable organizations claim that OTC pediatric medications might have negative consequences, especially if a kid is given more than the advised dose based on self-diagnosis and self-care decisions.

The availability of several retail outlets selling OTC products, as well as their accessibility, affordability, and presence, are some of the key drivers anticipated to fuel market expansion throughout the projection period. Market expansion is being fueled by the private sector's growing investments in enhancing supply chain management in both developed and developing countries through retail shops and other distribution channels.

The market will develop as a result of expanding awareness-raising efforts by both governmental and private groups, as well as rising rates of childhood obesity. Moreover, increasing medication releases and approvals will further accelerate market growth. A rise in R&D activities is another factor driving market expansion. This will present advantageous chances for market expansion. The existence of several laws, such as the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) and the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA), is motivating large corporations to increase their R&D spending on pediatric medication development.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size in 2023	US$ 11 Billion
Projected Market Value (2033)	US$ 18 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	5% CAGR
Market Share of North America (2023)	50%
Key Companies Profiled	Pfizer Inc. GlaxoSmithKline Plc Sanofi Amway Corporation Bayer AG Johnson & Johnson Reckitt Benckiser Group plc Procter & Gamble Abbott Laboratories Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

What is Shaping OTC Pediatric Healthcare Market Growth?

“High Demand for Flavor-enhanced Pediatric Drugs”

Increasing demand for flavored tablets is influencing market growth. Pharma firms are promoting oral dosage formulations due to the rise in patient-centric methods. As a result, novel and solid oral product forms have gained popularity, including chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, lozenges, and orally disintegrating granules (ODGs). This is predicted to cause a significant increase in the demand for flavors in OTC medicines over the coming years.

Flavored drugs are now regulated by new rules. This has led to the development of flexible, dispersible, and multifunctional excipients used in pediatric formulations in oral, solid, and liquid forms. Children, infants, and toddlers find them to be quite enticing as well. Market growth is driven by increasing demand for flavor-enhanced pediatric drugs.

“Growing Prevalence of Pediatric Diseases”

The increasing prevalence of illnesses in newborns and babies is a crucial factor fueling market growth. The illnesses included asthma, obesity, mental health problems, and aberrant neurodevelopment.

The frequency of other issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders, has risen along with the prevalence of other illnesses. Growing awareness and diagnosis have led to an increase in the demand for pediatric healthcare throughout the world.

Children are more likely to experience chronic illness, diarrhea, and injury-related illness, all of which require long-term or short-term treatments that take time. These elements are anticipated to support market expansion over the projection period.

“Increasing Use of Drug Fact Labels”

Manufacturers of OTC medications have begun to incorporate drug fact labels; these labels include information on the active components and inactive substances and include a part that describes the issues the medication will address.

Drug fact labels also include a part with instructions on how to use the medication safely and a warning section that explains what to do if a medication adverse effect occurs. The majority of over-the-counter medications also come with child safety caps to lower the possibility of drug poisoning in children.

What Barriers are Being Encountered by Key Market Participants?

“Strict Regulatory Environment and Improper Self-diagnosis”

Increasing risk of serious side effects due to OTC medicines based on self-care decisions is restricting parents from choosing OTC drugs for children, thus leading to a decline in OTC pediatric healthcare. Market expansion is anticipated to be constrained by the strict regulatory environment. Most of the time, individuals are unaware of OTC medications, which is hindering market growth

Improper self-diagnosis that results in the consumption of inappropriate medications is one of the limiting factors that are anticipated to impede market expansion over the forecast period. Several OTC cough, cold and allergy medicines have resulted in dosage mistakes and had negative physical consequences for children.

Why is North America Dominating the Global Market for OTC Pediatric Healthcare?

“Growing Awareness of Self-medication”

• North America accounts for 50% share of the global market in 2023.

Huge demand for OTC vitamins and dietary supplements and growing awareness of self-medication are supporting market expansion in the region. Other factors driving market value include a rise in product releases, an increasing prevalence of pediatric diseases, and the rising need for pediatric healthcare apothecaries.

Country-wise Insights

What is the Market Outlook for OTC Pediatric Healthcare in Germany?

“Rise in Government Initiatives to Enhance Child Health”

Market expansion in Germany is aided by advantageous healthcare reimbursement schemes and increasing investments in R&D activities by major companies. Market growth is projected to be fueled by an increase in government initiatives to enhance child health.

What is Driving OTC Pediatric Healthcare Product Demand in the United States?

“Increase in Premature Birth Rates”

Growing emphasis on preventive care, the rising incidence of chronic illnesses in children, and an increase in premature births are all factors that will contribute to this expansion. The market is driven by growing government measures to encourage the use of OTC medicines as well as the availability of child insurance coverage options.

How is Japan Aiding Market Growth in Asia Pacific?

“Presence of Top OTC Drug Manufacturing Firms”

Market growth in Japan is attributed to rising demand for OTC analgesics, recent advancements in healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of top OTC drug manufacturing firms. Premature infants are more likely to have neurological and physical problems that need pediatric care.

Category-wise Insights

Which Product Type is Generating the Most Revenue for Companies?

“Increasing Prevalence of Skin Diseases among Children Driving Demand for Dermatology OTC Pediatric Drugs”

Based on product type, the market is divided into gastrointestinal, dermatology, ENT, nutrition/vitamins, and other products.

• Dermatology OTC pediatric drugs account for 60% share of the global market at present due to the rising prevalence of skin diseases among children.

OTC pediatric medicines that fall under dermatology are projected to remain top-selling products in the global OTC pediatric healthcare market over the coming years. The medical specialty known as dermatology focuses on the structure, ailments, and functions of the skin. The specialization deals with the skin, its appendages, and mucous membranes from both a medical and surgical standpoint.

Which Sales Channel Will Emerge as Key Market Contributor?

“Drug Stores/Pharmacies Preferred Due to Easy Availability of Various OTC Products”

Under sales channel, the market is segmented into drug stores/pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, modern trade, convenience stores, online retailers, and other channels. Sales of OTC pediatric medicines through drug stores/pharmacies are projected to rise significantly over the forecast period due to the easy availability of various OTC products.

OTC pediatric healthcare is becoming more popular in drug stores and pharmacies. It aids in the quick recovery from childhood illnesses. An increase in retail pharmacies supplying OTC medications and the growing patient preference for drug stores & pharmacies for these products are boosting market expansion.

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies are concentrating on quality control, mergers & acquisitions, product standards, and pricing trends to increase their market share. Key market players are investing heavily in R&D to expand their product lines while following safety regulations to reduce the environmental impact. Market participants are launching cost-effective products, entering into contracts, and collaborating with other organizations to expand their global presence.

For instance :

• One of the prominent healthcare organizations in the world is Johnson & Johnson. The business's consumer health categories include OTC goods. It advertises its goods to the general public and sells them on online sites and retail stores all over the world as a primary strategy.
• In 2019, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline Plc. partnered to create a joint venture. The purpose of this arrangement was to establish a market-leading consumer healthcare company that would dominate the worldwide OTC market.
• In 2021, Novartis announced that Cosentyx (secukinumab) received FDA clearance for the treatment of kids and teenagers with mild to serious plaque psoriasis.

Key Segments of OTC Pediatric Healthcare Industry Research

• By Product Type :

  • Gastrointestinal
  • Dermatology
  • ENT
  • Nutrition/Vitamins
  • Other Products

• By Sales Channel :

  • Drug Stores/Pharmacies
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Modern Trade
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Retailers
  • Other Channels

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa