Antihistamine Drugs Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis by Type (Prescription-based Antihistamine Drugs, Over-the-counter (OTC) Antihistamine Drugs), by Application (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

Last Updated: 14 July 2025
SKU ID: 19351904

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ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global antihistamine drugs market size was estimated at USD 0.24 billion in 2024, set to expand to USD 0.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.

An antihistamine drug is a medication used to treat the symptoms of histamine release such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Histamines are chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which can help relieve allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are a class of drugs that inhibit the action of histamine by attacking the specific cell receptors meant for histamines. Histamine is an immune substance released by body’s immune system upon attack by allergens or due to intake of histamine-deficient food, some food items also trigger their excessive production which creates immune response. The rising healthcare expenditure due to increasing disposable income levels and initiatives by public and private organizations towards spreading awareness related to the treatment of various allergic reactions will further expand the antihistamine drugs market during the forecast period.

The increase in the number of R&D activities and the introduction of novel drug therapies for the treatment of allergy diseases is expected to bring enormous growth opportunities to the market and will further aid in market expansion. Participants are fixing their efforts on encouraging R&D. Technological development are supporting the regional market growth. Manufacturers need to stay updated with changing market trends and develop products that meet growing consumer needs. Companies coming up with progressive technological solutions for firming their positions.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Hampered The Market Due To Unexpected Disruption In The Sector

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

COVID- 19 pandemic has extremely affected the whole world. It caused many unexpected disruption and affected the industry. COVID- 19 had negative impact on the market due to economic slowdown, unpredictability in financial sector and high unstable market. The pandemic resulted in decreased demand due to a disrupted supply chain, drop in sales of products, delivery schedules. Travel bans imposed affected business collaboration and partnership. Demand had recently reduced due to travel bans and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuous loss in the business due to the lockdown measures is projected to directly influence the growth of the investments in the market.

LATEST TRENDS

Use Of Innovative Products To Boost The Market Growth

Technological improvement and development will further enhance the presentation of the product, allowing it to obtain a varied range of requests in the market. Technological advancement will improve performance and propel the market growth. Technological advancement with high demand are increasingly setting a force to increase the productivity. Some players focus on product improvement to meet consumer requirements and likings. Constant innovation in manufacturing of products is anticipated to stimulate product demand.

Global-Antihistamine-Drugs-Market-Share-By-Types,-2033

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ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

According to type, the market can be segmented into prescription-based antihistamine drugs, over-the-counter(OTC) antihistamine drugs.

Prescription-based antihistamine drugs will capture the maximum market share through forecast period.  

  • Prescription-based drugs are those that require a doctor’s prescription to be dispensed. This includes both brand names and generic medications. They are typically used for more severe or specific conditions that need medical supervision. Prescription antihistamines might be stronger or have a formulation that is tailored for specific medical conditions. T.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are those that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription from a pharmacy or grocery store. These include both brand names and generic medications. They are generally used for the treatment of common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. OTC antihistamines are typically considered safe for most people when used as directed, and they often include second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine, and fexofenadine which are less likely to cause drowsiness.

By Application

According to application, the market can be segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies.

Antihistamine drugs market players cover segment as hospital pharmacies will dominate the market share during forecast period.

  • Pharmacies are located within or associated with a hospital. They primarily cater to inpatients and outpatients of the hospital. Hospital pharmacies are crucial for providing prescription-based antihistamines, especially for patients who require immediate or specialized treatment.
  • Retail pharmacies are the most common type of pharmacies and are easily accessible to the general public. Retail pharmacies include standalone stores as well as pharmacy counters in larger stores like supermarkets or drugstores. They supply both prescription-based and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines. Retail pharmacies are a key point of contact for patients and consumers seeking health advice and medications, and they play a significant role in the distribution of OTC antihistamines.
  • Online pharmacies is a growing sector in the pharmaceutical distribution chain. Online pharmacies offer the convenience of ordering medications over the internet, often at competitive prices. They can provide both OTC and prescription medications, although the latter requires a valid prescription which can sometimes be obtained through an online consultation. Online pharmacies are particularly appealing due to their accessibility, convenience, and often broader selection of products.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Occurrence Of Allergic Reactions To Boost The Market Growth

The rising occurrence of allergic reactions and allergies across the world is a major factor motivating the antihistamine drugs market's growth rate. Seasonal allergies, motion sickness, nausea, cold and cough, and anxiety are all treated with antihistamines. They are also used to treat urticaria, a type of skin allergy.

Technological Advancement and Innovation To Upsurge The Market

Technological advancements and innovation activate unique revenue augmenting opportunity which will upsurge the antihistamine drugs market growth. Growing investment in research and development activities and growing awareness about benefits are expected to deliver profitable opportunities for the market. Constant development are one of the trends in the market in variety of practices. Ongoing research and development in the pharmaceutical industry lead to the discovery of more efficient and less sedative antihistamine drugs, increasing their acceptance and use.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Side Effects To Hamper The Market Growth

Common side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. These side effects can discourage people from using these drugs, especially during the day when alertness is crucial. Technical difficulties will reduce the industry revenue.

ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Dominate the Region Due To The Rising Prevalance Of Allergic Disorders

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East and Africa.

North America is further expected to witness growth in the antihistamine drugs market share. The region is dominating the market due to the favourable reimbursement scenarios, the rising prevalence of allergic disorders, and increasing awareness about available treatment options.  The rising inhabitants and increasing income levels are also contributing to the development of the market. Upsurge in investments by key market players for the R&D undertakings and enlargement of their production abilities and product portfolios are projected to upsurge the growth. The expansion of regional market is being aided by technological developments.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus On Partnerships To Gain Competitive Advantage

The key players are dynamically contributing in strategic events that are aimed at maintaining strong market position and increasing market share by merger, partnerships and others. Key players are motivated to introduce new innovative products. They are spending severely on research and development in order to arise with more new technology so that they can maintain and improve their existing market. The market changes are dynamic such as market expansion, partnership and merger. The collective efforts of these major players expressively impact the competitive landscape and future path of the market.

List of Top Antihistamine Drugs Companies

  • Bayer (Germany)
  • Meda Consumer Healthcare (U.S.)
  • Almirall (Spain)
  • AstraZeneca (U.K.)
  • Johnson & Johnson (U.S.)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

December 2023: GE HealthCare a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics and digital solutions innovator, and AirStrip, a vendor-agnostic clinical surveillance technology company and a member of the Nantworks group of AI driven companies, announced today a joint commercialization agreement.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides scrutiny and information according to market sectors. Business overview, financial overview, product portfolio, new project launch, recent development enquiry are the factors included in the profile. The report incorporates completely examined and appraised evidence of the noticeable players and their position in the market by methods for various descriptive tools. The report covers national and regional level market size and forecast. The report gives businesses the facility to research new prospect in many areas. The report shows to be an operational tool that players can use to gain a competitive superiority over their opponents and ensure lasting achievement in the market.

Antihistamine Drugs Market Report Scope & Segmentation

Attributes Details

Market Size Value In

US$ 0.24 Billion in 2024

Market Size Value By

US$ 0.4 Billion by 2033

Growth Rate

CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2033

Forecast Period

2025-2033

Base Year

2024

Historical Data Available

Yes

Regional Scope

Global

Segments Covered

By Type

  • Prescription-based Antihistamine Drugs
  • Over-the-counter(OTC) Antihistamine Drugs

By Application

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies

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