Global sales of over-the-counter medicines were worth $40.8bn (£27.2bn) in 1999, according to figures released by IMS Health on August 3.
Nearly one-third of these sales were made in North America, the world's largest market region at $12.3bn, with the United States accounting for $10.7bn of these. However, consumers in Japan spent the most on OTC products on a per capita basis, spending an average of $56 per person in 1999.
The best-selling medicines were those in the cough, cold and respiratory product area which was worth $6.5bn world-wide. These were followed by analgesics ($5bn) and vitamins, minerals and supplements ($4.7bn).
OTC Review 2000, IMS Health (tel 020 7393 5253).