The global gastrointestinal OTC drugs market size reached USD 43.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 62.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82% during 2025-2033. The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, increasing awareness among the masses regarding digestive health, and the recent development of advanced formulations represent some of the key factors driving the market.
Gastrointestinal over-the-counter (OTC) drugs refer to non-prescription medications that alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and promote overall digestive wellness. It includes laxatives, antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), anti-emetics, bowel anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal medications. Gastrointestinal OTC drugs are widely used to treat indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, motion sickness, acid reflux, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and abdominal pain. It is a cost-effective, convenient, and easily accessible product that provides immediate relief, enhances patient comfort, and allows self-management. Gastrointestinal OTC drugs also aid in improving gut health, restoring beneficial bacteria, preventing future complications, and minimizing the severity of various symptoms, such as pain, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal OTC Drugs Market Trends:
The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits is one of the key factors providing a thrust to the market growth. Gastrointestinal OTC drugs are widely used to treat infections, dyspepsia, acute diarrhea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, bloating, and morning sickness. Furthermore, the increasing product applications to improve digestion, promote gut health, and ensure proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients, owing to the growing awareness among the masses regarding digestive health, is providing an impetus to the market growth. In line with this, the emerging trends of self-care and consumer empowerment to manage well-being and prevent future health complications are acting as another growth-inducing factor. Additionally, the recent development of advanced formulations, such as effervescent tablets, liquids, suspensions, film strips, and chewable products, which enhances the effectiveness of the drugs, increases absorption, and reduces the frequency of dosing, is positively influencing the market growth. Besides this, the introduction of convenient and travel-friendly packaging, such as blister packs, resealable pouches, and single-dose packets, is propelling the market growth. Apart from this, the rising consumer preference for non-invasive treatments is facilitating product demand to manage common digestive issues and provide immediate relief. Moreover, aggressive promotional and branding campaigns by several manufacturers through television (TV) commercials, social media, influencer marketing, and celebrity endorsement is strengthening the market growth. Other factors, including the rising geriatric populations, increasing expenditure capacities of consumers, and easy availability of products across e-commerce platforms, are anticipated to drive the market growth.
Key Market Segmentation:
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global gastrointestinal OTC drugs market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on drug class, indication, and end user.
Drug Class Insights:
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook