Main Takeaway: India lacks a unified regulatory framework for OTC drugs, creating a complex landscape where medications not listed as prescription-only are sold over-the-counter. With 62.3% of urban populations practicing self-medication and an estimated market value of ₹188.6 billion, the CDSCO’s upcoming 2025 OTC Drug Regulation represents a significant step toward establishing proper oversight and consumer safety.
1. Current Regulatory Status in India
Absence of Unified OTC Framework
Unlike Western countries, India currently lacks specific unifying regulations for OTC drugs. The term “OTC” has no legal recognition in Indian law. Instead, the regulatory approach follows a negative definition: drugs are considered OTC unless specifically listed as prescription-only medicines.
Existing Drug Classification System
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, medications are categorized into different schedules:
| Schedule | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule H | Prescription drugs | “To be sold by retail only on prescription of a registered medical practitioner” |
| Schedule H1 | Restricted prescription drugs | Stricter prescription requirements |
| Schedule X | Narcotics and controlled substances | Prescription mandatory |
| Schedule G | Caution drugs (antihistamines) | “Caution: it is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision” |
| Schedule K | Household remedies | Can be sold in villages with population below 1,000 |
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), headed by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), serves as India’s primary drug regulatory authority. CDSCO is responsible for:
- Approval of new drugs and clinical trials
- Setting drug quality standards
- Import/export control of pharmaceuticals
- Enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
2. The Upcoming 2025 OTC Drug Regulation
Key Regulatory Changes
The Over-the-Counter Drug Regulation India 2025 introduces several landmark changes:
Schedule O Classification: Official categorization of OTC drugs into a new Schedule O
Mandatory Labeling Requirements: Clear dosage instructions, warnings, and QR codes for consumer verification
Advertising Restrictions: Ban on TV/radio advertisements for certain categories like antibiotics
Online Sale Regulation: Only licensed platforms can sell OTC drugs with proper segregation from prescription medicines
Approved OTC Medications Under 2025 Framework
| Drug Category | Approved OTC Medicines |
|---|---|
| Pain Relief | Paracetamol, Ibuprofen |
| Cold & Flu | Cetirizine, Chlorpheniramine |
| Antacids & Digestive | Ranitidine, Antacid Gel, Digene |
| Skin Care | Calamine lotion, Antifungal creams |
| Vitamins & Supplements | Vitamin C, B-complex, Iron tablets |
| Oral Rehydration | ORS sachets, Electrolyte powders |
Important Exclusions: Antibiotics, steroids, and habit-forming drugs remain strictly excluded from OTC classification.
3. Popular OTC Brands and Market Leaders
Major Indian OTC Brands
Pain Relief Medications:
- Crocin (GlaxoSmithKline): India’s leading paracetamol brand with Optizorb technology
- Dolo 650 (Micro Labs): Gained massive popularity during COVID-19, selling over 350 crore pills since March 2020
- Volini, Moov, Iodex: Popular topical pain relief brands
Digestive Health:
- Eno (GSK): Antacid promising relief in 6 seconds
- Digene, Gelusil: Popular antacid brands
- Hajmola (Dabur): Digestive tabletsr
Cold and Respiratory:
- Vicks VapoRub: Market-leading cold rub
- Dabur Honitus: Cough syrup and lozenges
- Strepsils, Halls: Throat lozenges
Market Size and Growth
The Indian OTC market is valued at approximately ₹188.6 billion (US$ 2.7 billion) with a 9% CAGR, expected to reach ₹441.1 billion (US$ 6.5 billion). Major market players include:
- Cipla, Abbott India Limited
- GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi
- Dabur India Limited, Emami
- Himalaya Herbal Health Care
- Procter & Gamble, Marico
4. Self-Medication Practices in India
Usage Statistics
Self-medication prevalence varies significantly across India:
- Urban areas: 62.3% in Belagavi, Karnataka; 92.8% in Delhi
- Rural areas: 81.5% in Maharashtra; 23% in Tamil Nadu
- National average: Approximately 52% of Indians self-medicate
Common Reasons for Self-Medication
Urban Population Motivations:
- Time-saving (54.5%)
- Previous prescriptions (24.3%)
- Cost savings
- Convenience
Most Commonly Self-Treated Conditions:
- Headache (79.5%)
- Fever (47.8%)
- Cough and cold
- Body pain
Medication Preferences
Most Used OTC Medications:
- Paracetamol (98% usage among self-medicators)
- Analgesics (most common category)
- Antacids (second most common in urban areas)
- Antibiotics (concerning self-medication trend)
5. Distribution Channels and Accessibility
Traditional Pharmacy Chains
Leading Retail Pharmacy Networks:
- Apollo Pharmacy: Largest chain with over 4,500 outlets nationwide
- MedPlus: Strong South Indian presence
- PharmEasy: Major online platform (acquired Medlife in 2021)
- 1mg (Tata 1mg): Leading online pharmacy acquired by Tata Digital
Online Pharmacy Growth
The e-pharmacy sector has experienced rapid expansion since 2016, with platforms offering:pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
- Home delivery of OTC medications
- Online consultations
- Attractive discounts and loyalty programs
- Wide product range including health supplements
6. Traditional Medicine Integration
AYUSH System Integration
India’s unique healthcare landscape includes traditional medicine systems regulated under the Ministry of AYUSH
- Ayurvedic drugs are manufactured under state licensing authorities
- Traditional medicines are sold OTC freely by non-pharmacists
- Phytopharmaceuticals: New category bridging traditional and modern medicine
7. Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook
Current Issues
Regulatory Gaps:
- Prescription drugs frequently sold without prescriptions
- Lack of standardized labeling requirements
- Inadequate consumer education about proper usage
Safety Concerns:
- Antibiotic resistance due to over-the-counter antibiotic sales
- Topical steroid abuse: Led to inclusion of 14 steroid-based creams under Schedule H in 2018
- Hydroquinone ban: CDSCO banned OTC sales of hydroquinone-containing depigmentation creams
Progressive Regulatory Measures
Recent Developments:
- 2017: Drugs Consultative Committee recommended separate OTC category
- 2018: Steroid-based fairness creams moved to prescription-only status
- 2025: Comprehensive OTC Drug Regulation framework implementation
Behind-the-Counter Medicines
The DCC is introducing a “Behind the Counter” category for medicines that don’t require prescriptions but must be sold “only under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist”.
8. Impact on Healthcare Accessibility
Benefits of OTC Availability
- Improved healthcare access in remote areas
- Cost-effective treatment for minor ailments
- Reduced burden on healthcare facilities
- Faster relief for common conditions
Risks and Mitigation Strategies
Public Health Risks:
- Drug interactions and contraindications
- Delayed proper medical diagnosis
- Development of antimicrobial resistance
Proposed Solutions:
- Enhanced pharmacist education and counseling
- Stricter online pharmacy regulations
- Consumer awareness programs
- Improved package insert accessibility
The evolution of India’s OTC drug landscape reflects the country’s efforts to balance healthcare accessibility with patient safety. The 2025 regulatory framework represents a crucial step toward establishing international standards while addressing India’s unique healthcare challenges and diverse population needs.
