Cold and Cough Treatments Dominate Mexico’s Over-the-Counter Pharmaceutical Market
The segment of cold and cough treatments dominates Mexico’s over-the-counter pharmaceutical market, with an expected value of $447 million in 2025. The market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.79% between 2025 and 2030.
Growth Driven by Rising Respiratory Illnesses and Consumer Focus on Self-Care
This growth is attributed to the rise in respiratory diseases in Mexico and consumers’ preference for self-care to quickly alleviate symptoms, according to data from Statista, a data and statistics analysis firm.
Increasing Respiratory Diseases in Mexico
Since August, the incidence of respiratory diseases has increased by approximately 33% compared to 2024, with over 12 million cases registered so far in 2025, according to Erika Cabrera, Director of Scientific Affairs at Opella Mexico, citing data from the Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health, week 40.
“We began to see a considerable increase in respiratory diseases in Mexico starting August, during the transition from summer to autumn,” she pointed out.
Cabrera believes that current climate conditions have contributed to this rise. “The climatic effect and everything happening today are significantly influencing the resurgence of respiratory diseases,” she added.
Importance of Self-Care and Preventive Measures
Cabrera emphasized the significance of self-care, focusing on strengthening the immune system to prevent respiratory diseases as winter approaches.
- Frequent handwashing
- Adequate hydration
- Protection against temperature changes
- Physical activity
- Balanced diet
- Ventilation of spaces
- Adequate rest and stress management
“Self-care should be as simple and effective as possible,” stressed Erika Cabrera.
She concurred that demand for over-the-counter medications, which help prevent and alleviate symptoms of respiratory diseases, increases during this season.
In Opella’s case, she mentioned an increase in sales of cold remedies, products for relieving cough, nasal congestion, and other cold symptoms, as well as immune-boosting supplements.
Opella’s Position in the Global OTC and Vitamin Market
Opella, a manufacturer of medications like Histiacil, Enterogermina, and Aderogyl, among others, is ranked as the third player globally in the over-the-counter (OTC) products and vitamins, minerals, and supplements market.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving the growth in Mexico’s cold medicine market? The rise in respiratory diseases and consumers’ preference for self-care are key factors.
- How has the incidence of respiratory diseases changed recently in Mexico? The incidence has increased by approximately 33% since August compared to 2024.
- What preventive measures are recommended by experts to avoid respiratory diseases? Experts recommend frequent handwashing, adequate hydration, protection against temperature changes, physical activity, balanced diet, ventilation of spaces, adequate rest, and stress management.
- Which company is a significant player in the global OTC and vitamin market? Opella, a Mexican pharmaceutical company, is ranked third globally in the OTC products and vitamins, minerals, and supplements market.
