Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Market Outlook to 2028

Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Market Overview 

The Saudi Arabia OTC drugs market is valued at USD 1.15 billion, driven by the increasing trend of self-medication, ease of access to non-prescription drugs, and a growing number of pharmacies across the country. Factors like the rising healthcare costs, an expanding middle class, and the preference for self-care and convenience have propelled the demand for OTC drugs in recent years. The market has been steadily growing as more pharmaceutical companies develop new products that meet regulatory standards for over-the-counter availability.

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are the dominant cities in the Saudi OTC drugs market, owing to their higher population density, economic prosperity, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. These urban centers have a high number of pharmacies and healthcare providers, making OTC drugs more accessible. Furthermore, these cities attract more tourists, which increases demand for general healthcare products, including OTC drugs. 

The SFDA continues to be the main regulatory body overseeing the OTC drugs market. In 2023, the SFDA revised its regulatory framework, introducing new guidelines to improve the safety and efficacy of OTC drugs. These guidelines include stricter labeling requirements, ensuring that consumers are better informed about product usage. This has also led to the withdrawal of over 50 non-compliant products in 2023. 

Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Market Segmentation 

By Drug Type: The market is segmented by drug type into analgesics, cold, cough & flu remedies, digestive remedies, dermatology products, and vitamins & minerals. Analgesics have a dominant market share within this segment. This dominance is due to the widespread prevalence of pain-related issues such as headaches, muscle pain, and minor injuries among the population. Additionally, analgesics are frequently recommended by healthcare professionals and are considered safe for self-medication, making them a common choice among consumers. 

By Distribution Channel: The market is segmented by distribution channels into pharmacies, supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retailers, and health & wellness stores. Pharmacies dominate the distribution channel segment. The dominance of pharmacies can be attributed to their role as the primary source of OTC drugs in Saudi Arabia. Pharmacies provide consumers with expert advice from pharmacists and easy access to a wide range of OTC products. Furthermore, the expanding pharmacy network in both urban and rural areas has contributed to the dominance of this distribution channel. 

Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Market Competitive Landscape 

The Saudi Arabia OTC drugs market is dominated by a mix of multinational and local companies that have a strong presence in the country. Key players include Sanofi, Glaxo Smith Kline, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Novartis, each leveraging their global expertise and extensive product portfolios to maintain a competitive edge. The consolidation of these market players highlights their significant influence and the competitive nature of the Saudi market. 

Company
 

Established 

Headquarters 

Number of Employees 

Revenue (USD Bn) 

Product Portfolio 

R&D Investment (USD Mn) 

Key Clients 

Global Reach 

Technological Innovations 

Sanofi 

1973 

Paris, France 

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) 

2000 

Brentford, UK 

Johnson & Johnson 

1886 

New Brunswick, USA 

Pfizer 

1849 

New York, USA 

Novartis 

1996 

Basel, Switzerland 

Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Industry Analysis 

Growth Drivers
 

Increasing Self-Medication: The rising cost of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia is driving more individuals toward self-medication. The average healthcare expenditure per capita in the country is estimated at $1,200, with a significant portion of the population opting for OTC drugs as a cost-effective alternative. The Ministry of Health's reports highlight a growing reliance on self-treatment due to the affordability and accessibility of OTC products. This is further influenced by the rising out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare, as noted in the World Bank's 2023 report on healthcare financing. 

Expanding Pharmacy Network: The expansion of pharmacy networks, especially in rural and underserved areas, has significantly boosted the availability of OTC drugs in Saudi Arabia. There are currently over 9,000 registered pharmacies across the country, up from 7,500 in 2020, according to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). Increased access to these pharmacies has allowed consumers in remote regions to procure OTC medications more easily, reflecting a steady improvement in infrastructure and healthcare service delivery. 

Regulatory Support: The Saudi government plays a pivotal role in the OTC drug market, particularly through the SFDA’s streamlined approval processes. As of 2024, the SFDA has approved over 2,000 OTC products, facilitating easier market entry for pharmaceutical companies. Government policies, including Vision 2030’s emphasis on improving healthcare accessibility, further support this growth, ensuring quicker and more efficient drug approvals while maintaining stringent quality checks. 

Market Challenges
 

Strict Regulatory Requirements: While government support exists, the SFDA's stringent regulations pose challenges to OTC drug manufacturers. As of 2024, the SFDA has tightened its regulations on labeling, ingredients, and safety protocols, leading to delays in product launches. Currently, over 200 applications for OTC products are pending approval due to regulatory scrutiny. This has created a bottleneck for companies trying to introduce new products to the market, despite the high demand. 

Competition from Prescription Drugs: The shift from prescription (Rx) to OTC drugs has been gradual in Saudi Arabia, with some consumers continuing to rely on Rx products. There were over 5,000 prescription medications approved by the SFDA in 2023, making competition with OTC products intense. Additionally, the health system’s preference for Rx treatments for more serious conditions poses a challenge for OTC market penetration. 

Saudi Arabia OTC Drugs Market Future Outlook 

Over the next five years, the Saudi Arabia OTC drugs market is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by the increasing demand for self-medication products, government initiatives to improve healthcare access, and the growing presence of e-commerce platforms in the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, technological advancements, such as the rise of digital pharmacies, are likely to shape the future of the market. The increasing consumer preference for preventive healthcare and wellness products, particularly in urban centers, will further drive market expansion. 

Future Market Opportunities 

Online Pharmacy Growth: Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector is booming, with online pharmacy sales witnessing a 30% increase in 2023. The total number of licensed online pharmacies rose from 25 in 2021 to 60 in 2023, according to the SFDA. This trend reflects a growing consumer preference for online access to OTC medications, fueled by increasing internet penetration (reaching 98% in 2023) and government efforts to support digital health infrastructure. 

OTC Drug Market Expansion: The Saudi OTC market is expanding with the introduction of new product lines catering to diverse healthcare needs. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 150 new OTC products were launched in Saudi Arabia, targeting categories like pain management, cough remedies, and digestive health. The SFDA has also approved several innovative products, such as combination drugs and specialized OTC treatments, driving consumer interest in self-care.
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