Current sales of analgesics in Ireland increased in 2025, with several factors contributing to this positive performance. One of the primary drivers was the growing consumer reliance on OTC pain relief for managing everyday ailments and minor conditions. As local consumers sought convenient solutions for common health issues, the demand for accessible analgesics rose accordingly.

In 2025, sales of OTC analgesics in Italy were boosted by a very high incidence of flu that occurred at the beginning of the year, which was particularly widespread among adults and the elderly. This wave of cases led to a significant increase in demand for medicines to manage flu symptoms, including analgesics, pushing value sales well above seasonal averages. Self-medication is already a key trend among the Italian population, with many people increasingly inclined to manage minor health prob

Retail current value sales of analgesics in Spain are projected to continue to grow at a good rate over 2025 as a whole, albeit at a slower pace than in 2024 and previous years of the review period as the rate of inflation stabilises. There has been some divergence in the retail volume growth performances of categories in analgesics during 2025, with some, such as adult ketoprofen, adult acetaminophen, topical analgesics/anaesthetic and paediatric analgesics, seeing good-to-marginal increases an

Analgesics in South Africa is projected to see further strong retail current value growth over 2025, supported by inflationary pressure on prices, but also retail volume growth. The growth in analgesics is primarily driven by the persistent demand for pain relief products. Adult analgesics continues to drive retail value sales, led by combination products and acetaminophen. However, retail current value growth is projected to be slightly slower than in 2024, as consumers are cautious over spendi

Current value growth for analgesics in North Macedonia in 2025 looks set to be down slightly on 2024, mainly because pricing pressures have eased thanks to a sustained drop in inflation. However, the same factors have made households more likely to stock up on such products for future use rather than only purchasing them when they have an immediate need, hence most categories are anticipated to register improved performances in volume terms. The increasing willingness of consumers to self-medica

Sales of analgesic have seen stronger growth in 2025 compared to 2024, in current value terms. This is linked in part to a more severe cold and flu season in winter 2024/2025, with consumers’ still being impacted by weaker immune systems in the post-pandemic period. France saw the circulation of three flu viruses as well as a new strain of COVID-19, which put a strain on the public health system as well as driving demand for analgesics as consumers looked for relief from the symptoms.

Sales of analgesics have seen strong and steady growth in current value terms in Thailand in 2025. The increasing demand for analgesics in Thailand is being supported in part by the country’s ageing population. This is leading to a higher incidence of age-related conditions and chronic pain, thereby supporting sustained demand for pain management solutions. There is also a growing demand for pain relief gels and topical analgesics/anaesthetic which the elderly (and some other consumers) use to t

Value sales of analgesics are increasing in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Local consumers continue to frequently rely on analgesics to manage mild to moderate pain, including headaches, fever and inflammation in addition to avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use especially due to prescription restrictions. The trend is further reinforced by the use of analgesics as a secondary treatment for many other conditions - for example, chronic diseases where analgesics play a key role in alleviating pain and discom

Retail value sales of analgesics are set to grow in current terms in Indonesia in 2025. Growth is being supported by growing consumer demand for fast-acting, convenient pain relief products amidst the return of hectic lifestyles in the aftermath of the pandemic. Headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle soreness, and joint pain are common triggers for usage, driven by work-related stress, increased fitness activities, and ageing-related ailments. As a result, demand is being bolstered by the ever more

Value sales of analgesics in Hong Kong are rising in 2025, though growth is somewhat curbed due to the stagnant return of tourist traffic. Historically, the influx of tourists - particularly from mainland China - has substantially bolstered demand for analgesics in the region. These tourists often purchase significant amounts of OTC medications while travelling, and their expenditure in this category represented a vital source of revenue for local pharmacies and retailers. However, the current s

In 2025, the rate of growth in retail current value sales of analgesics in Uzbekistan slowed but remained in double digits, driven largely by inflation. Growth in demand peaked during the post-COVID period, a time marked by heightened public attention to health and a surge in demand for OTC pain relief. Although this post-pandemic momentum continues to support market performance, economic constraints and affordability concerns have weighed on growth.

Analgesics is expected to register moderate current value growth in Portugal in 2025. An ageing population, which is leading to a higher prevalence of chronic pain conditions, as well as increasing difficulties in assessing medical care, support value sales. Systemic analgesics is expected to register the highest current value growth, with adult ibuprofen in particular perfuming strongly. There is also a high level of product extensions, such as products with taglines such as rapid and express.

Value sales of analgesics increased in Greece in 2025, although the rate of growth slowed compared to 2024. Growth is largely attributed to higher retail prices among leading brands, as well as value gains from key products such as Depon. Depon saw a rise in value sales driven by the launch of Depon Plus, a higher-priced SKU compared to other Depon variants. In contrast, Depon Tabs, the lower-priced option, continued to lose share as consumers shifted towards more effective or fast-acting format

Analgesics, the largest category in Uruguay’s consumer health market, is expected to record stronger current value growth in 2025, consumption remaining closely tied to the management of general pain, fever and hangover symptoms. This improved performance is partly due to the sharp appreciation of Argentina’s official exchange rate, which has reduced price advantages across the border. As a result, small-scale smuggling declined notably in the first half of 2025, and most analgesic purchases pre

Analgesics in Malaysia is posting strong rises in terms of value sales in 2025, supported by stronger formulations and evolving consumer expectations for more effective pain management. While acetaminophen (paracetamol) remains a favourite solution for everyday pain, growth is limited due to maturity. However, stronger dosage formats are increasingly visible, such as 650mg paracetamol products like Axpain650 Caplet Pain Relief, reflecting consumer interest in faster and longer-lasting relief.

Analgesics has seen positive growth in current value terms in 2025. Danish consumers are leading increasingly busy lifestyles including taking part in more sports and other physical activities. This is leading to growing demand for analgesics to treat a range of needs from pain relief for minor injuries to stress-related headaches, among many other symptoms. Sales have also benefited from a more stable economic scenario, with stable inflation and interest rates and low employment, all of which h

In 2025, adult and paediatric analgesics in Slovakia is gradually recovering from earlier shortages and is posting modest growth in retail value. The improvement is largely supported by the stronger availability of established brands such as Paralen and Nurofen, alongside the wider presence of private label options, particularly from Dr Max. Aspirin continues to struggle as consumers increasingly favour targeted pain relief products such as diclofenac or ketoprofen.

Value sales of analgesics are seeing positive growth in Slovenia in 2025, supported by consumer demand for over-the-counter (OTC) products and natural remedies, along with the growth of the ageing population in the country. OTC painkillers are becoming increasingly popular due to convenience and affordability, and local consumers use these products to treat minor ailments. The trend of self-medicating is strong, and many consumers purchase OTC products without having to go do a doctor and get a

Analgesics in Sweden is seeing positive retail value growth in 2025, with sales buoyed by busy lifestyles and increased participation in sports and other activities among Swedish consumers. Systemic analgesics is the most dynamic subcategory, recording the strongest value growth.

Value sales of analgesics increased slightly in Taiwan in 2025. The density of pharmacies has been higher than that of convenience stores since 2017, with rapid growth further accelerated by COVID-19. Many consumers now consider pharmacists’ professional services to be nearly equivalent to those offered in hospitals for minor illnesses and familiar health concerns. Consumers feel reassured when obtaining appropriate analgesic products under pharmacist guidance and instruction. Additionally, as h

Consumption of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics has continued to decline in Peru in 2025. Sales have been negatively impacted by the diminishing importance of the retail channel in the face of growing use of health insurance and a preference for products with more potent formulations. As more consumers access private and public health coverage, there has been a growing shift toward prescription medications, reducing the market share of traditional OTC products. Furthermore, the perception that

Value sales of analgesics in Israel continued to see good growth over 2025 fuelled by high consumer demand for painkillers as war brought about higher levels of stress. People tended to have more stress-related tension headaches and migraines as a result of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in 2025, with stress linked to the possibility of being called up to fight and the tension from constantly worrying about children and loved ones.

Analgesics is expected to register positive current value growth in Latvia in 2025. Performance was driven by strong gains in single ingredient systemic products, notably adult ibuprofen, which is expected to register the highest value growth, along with paediatric ibuprofen, ketoprofen and acetaminophen and also to a lesser extent topical analgesics. On the other hand, adult aspirin and adult combination analgesics is expected to see value sales fall. Global brands are working on increasing foo

In 2025, Romania’s analgesics market is expected to show positive growth in current value terms despite ongoing economic pressures. This is being driven by the increasing trend towards self-medication and the rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions, including injuries, arthritis, migraines, and menstrual discomfort. Premiumisation has also supported value growth, as consumers are willing to pay more for perceived higher-quality products.