Most popular OTC and non-prescription drugs in Italy H1 2023
In the first half of 2023, Rinazina, produced by the pharmaceutical firm GSK-GlaxoSmithKline, was the best-selling non-prescription medication in Italian pharmacies. Followed by Tachipirina, which is a brand name drug distributed by the Italian pharmaceutical company Angelini. It is used to treat minor health conditions such as cold, fever, headache and muscle ache.
Nonprescription and OTC market
During 2021, the commercial pharmaceutical segment, that includes nonprescription drugs and over the counter products, accounted for 42.5 percent of the total pharmaceutical market volume and for 44.6 percent of the total market value.
Self-medication in Italy
Self-medication - the treatment of common health problems with drugs not requiring medical supervision – is somewhat common in Italy. As a matter of fact, the market share of both non-prescription and self-medication drugs was quite stable over the last few years, together with the segment of prescription medication.