Antihistamine Drugs Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Antihistamine Drugs Market Size

The global antihistamine drugs market size was valued at USD 562.19 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 607.73 million in 2025 to USD 1133.23 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

The rising prevalence of allergic conditions, such as hay fever and food allergies and the growing awareness and healthcare access are the key factors driving the market demand.

Antihistamines, also known as histamine receptor antagonists, are a class of drugs that inhibit the action of histamine, a naturally occurring substance produced by the body during allergic reactions. By inhibiting histamine's effects on the body's tissues, these medications are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchiness, a runny nose, and hives. They are available in various forms, including oral tablets, liquids, and topical creams, and reduce the histamine-induced inflammatory response to mitigate allergic symptoms.

There are two major classes of antihistamine medications: first-generation and second-generation antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (marketed as Chlor-Trimeton), are commonly employed for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms and are known to have soothing effects. Antihistamines of the second generation, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra), are less likely to induce lethargy and are suitable for long-term use.

To get more insights about this report Download Free Sample Report

Antihistamine Drugs Market Driving Factors

Rising Environmental Allergens and Allergic Disorders

The rising prevalence of allergic disorders, including hay fever, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and skin allergies, along with the expanding presence of environmental allergens resulting from climate change and urbanization, contributes to the growing need for antihistamine medications. These allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and air contaminants, are contributing to an increase in the prevalence of allergies and allergic reactions, making antihistamines essential for managing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion. This dual effect exemplifies the substantial growth of the Antihistamine drugs market in response to the rising demand for effective allergy management solutions.

Rising Awareness of Allergic Conditions and Enhanced Access to Healthcare Services

The antihistamine drugs market is primarily driven by rising awareness of allergic conditions and enhanced access to healthcare services. As educational campaigns and healthcare providers distribute more information about allergies, individuals are becoming more aware of their allergy symptoms. This increased awareness encourages more individuals to seek medical advice and treatment for their allergic reactions, such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and skin allergies.

Additionally, improved access to healthcare services in terms of physical facilities and telehealth options has made it simpler for individuals to consult healthcare professionals and obtain antihistamine drug prescriptions. The combination of increased awareness and improved access to healthcare services is expanding the antihistamine patient pool.

Market Restraints

Side Effects and Drowsiness

Some antihistamine drugs, particularly first-generation ones, are known to cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. This drowsiness can substantially impair a patient's ability to engage in daily activities, drive, or operate machinery. Therefore, patients may hesitate to use these medications, especially during the day or when mental understanding is essential. This issue has been partially addressed by the preference for non-sedating second-generation antihistamines. Still, the potential for adverse effects remains a concern for some individuals, which hinders market growth.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of Pediatric Use

The growing recognition of allergies in children and the development of pediatric-friendly formulations and dosing options present a significant growth opportunity for pediatric use. The market for pediatric antihistamine medicines is expected to expand due to the growing demand from parents and caregivers seeking effective treatments for kids' allergies. This represents a growing patient population and an opportunity for pharmaceutical firms to develop and market child-specific products while assuring their safety and efficacy.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global market shareholder and is predicted to expand substantially over the forecast period. This is due to the rising prevalence of allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and eczema, in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. For instance, according to the Hindwai Journal, in China, allergic rhinitis was 27.8% and asthma was 10.2% in 2022. Similarly, according to the article published in Frontiers, in India, allergic rhinitis was 24.4% and asthma was 21.6% in 2022. Moreover, the rising investments and innovations by major players in the antihistamine drug market, such as Bayer AG, Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and GlaxoSmithKline plc, to expand their presence and product portfolio in the region is a key factor boosting the sale of the antihistamine drugs market in Asia-Pacific region.

North America Antihistamine Drugs Market Trends

North America is predicted to expand substantially over the forecast period. This is due to the rising prevalence of allergic conditions in North America, such as seasonal allergies, dietary allergies, and environmental allergies. The prevalence of allergies in the region is anticipated to increase the demand for antihistamines. Similarly, the region typically has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure and high consumer knowledge regarding allergy management and treatment options. This awareness is expected to result in increased use of antihistamine medications. Hence, these factors collectively affect North America's antihistamine drugs market growth over the forecast period.

Type Insights

The market is segmented into prescription-based and over-the-counter (OTC). The over-the-counter (OTC) segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are available without a prescription and can be purchased directly from pharmacies or retail stores by consumers. These products are intended for self-treating common allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nostrils, and itching.

Prescription-based antihistamine drugs segment contains antihistamine medications that require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Antihistamines that require a prescription are typically prescribed for more severe allergic conditions or when a higher level of medical supervision is required. They may also be prescribed to treat symptoms or underlying medical conditions.

Indication Insights

The market is segmented into urticaria, allergy, dermatitis, and others. The allergy segment dominates the global market and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The allergy segment includes antihistamine medications prescribed for various allergic conditions, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), seasonal allergies, and environmental allergies triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms including sneezing, a runny nose, and irritated eyes.

The urticaria segment describes antihistamine medications used to treat urticaria, a skin condition typified by the sudden appearance of red, raised, and itchy welts. Antihistamines are frequently prescribed to alleviate hives' irritation and reduce their severity.

Antihistamines are also used to treat dermatitis, which includes inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis. They reduce the itching and inflammation of the epidermis caused by these conditions.

Dosage Form Insights

The market is fragmented into tablets, capsules, and others. The tablets segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period. Tablets are one of the most common and extensively utilized dosage forms for antihistamines. They are suitable for oral administration and provide accurate dosing. Tablets are also frequently available in numerous strengths and formulations to meet the varying needs of patients.

Capsules are an additional oral dosage form for antihistamine medications. They may contain powdered or liquid medication encased in gelatin or a vegetable shell. Capsules can provide distinct advantages for particular formulations, including expedited disintegration and absorption.

Route of Administration Insights

The market is fragmented into oral, parenteral, and other. The oral segment dominates the global market share and is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period. The oral route of administration entails taking antihistamines by mouth, typically as tablets, capsules, or syrups. Oral administration is one of the most prevalent and convenient self-administration methods.

Parenteral administration involves injecting antihistamines directly into the body without traveling through the digestive system. Injections may be administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or subcutaneously (SC) via this route.

End-Users Insights

The market is fragmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, home care, and others. The homecare segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period. Homecare encompasses patients who are prescribed antihistamines for self-administration at home. This segment consists of individuals with mild to moderate allergic conditions who are able to control their symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or prescription medications.

Distribution Channels Insights

The market is fragmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. The retail pharmacy segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period. Antihistamine medications are frequently distributed through retail pharmacies. For self-administration, patients can purchase prescription-based and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines from retail pharmacies.

List of key players in Antihistamine Drugs Market

1. Akorn Incorporated
2. Pfizer Inc
3. GSK plc
4. Novartis AG
5. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
6. Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
7. AstraZeneca
8. Johnson & Johnson Private Limited
9. Bayer AG
10. Merck & Co. Inc.

To get more findings about this report Download Market Share

Recent Developments

• June 2021- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Astepro (azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray, 0.15%) for nonprescription use. This significant decision, known as a partial prescription to nonprescription switch, makes Astepro accessible to adults and children aged six and above for managing seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, relieving common allergies.
• February 2021- Horizon Therapeutics plc announced the acquisition of Viela Bio, Inc. as a strategic move aimed at expanding its development pipeline and strengthening its rare disease medicine portfolio.