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OTC Sales by Category -- 2009-2012

OTC Category

2009
(in millions)

2010
(in millions)

2011
(in millions)

2012
(in millions)

Acne Remedies

$582

$605

$614

$624

Analgesics, External

$447

$465

$496

$516

Analgesics, Internal (includes other pain products)

$4,215

$3,985

$4,018

$3,893

Antidiarrheals

$246

$248

$213

$216

Anti-Smoking Products

$795

$825

$975

$1,153

Cough/Cold and Related

$6,237

$6,100

$6,336

$6,631

Eye Care

$724

$766

$802

$848

First Aid

$1,007

$1,040

$1,060

$1,106

Foot Care

$507

$550

$559

$589

Heartburn (includes anti-gas)

$2,175

$2,320

$2,241

$2,268

Laxatives

$1,242

$1,263

$1,319

$1,358

Lip Remedies

$685

$722

$745

$819

Oral Antiseptics and Rinses

$1,287

$1,301

$1,357

$1,394

Sunscreens and Blocks

$791

$860

$938

$1,005

Toothpaste

$2,218

$2,287

$2,390

$2,449

All Others

$4,296

$4,316

$4,357

$4,453

 

Source: Nielsen - total U.S. all outlets (food, drug, mass, select club and dollar store retailers, convenience, and military stores).

Sales are in millions of U.S. dollars. A few categories include a combination of OTC medicines as well as health-related products which are not classified as medicines by the Food and Drug Administration.