PHYSICIAN SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Responses of store brands, prescription drugs, products not belonging in a category and generic suggestions (eg., Vitamin C, acetaminophen, etc.) were removed from the coding. The resulting lists for each product category were then ranked by the number of recommendations, resulting in a winner for the category. Margin for error of ± 4.42 at the 95% confidence level.
About the #1 OTC brand logo
Have you seen this logo? Only the OTC products voted #1 by physicians, in The Medical Post’s annual survey, can use this logo or claim to be “Physicians' #1 Recommended Brand.”
OTC
MOST-RECOMMENDED BRANDS 2023
The Annual #1 OTC Recommended Brand and Market Survey is an industry indicator that has tracked and measured pharmacist and physician counselling patterns for OTC products for 29 and 15 years, respectively. It is the only national survey to research the role of Canadian pharmacists and physicians as counsellors, advisors, and influencers in the area of nonprescription products.
Every year, Pharmacy Practice + Business and The Medical Post ask our extensive audience of pharmacists and physicians to tell us what OTC brands they personally recommend.
Click on one of the categories from the Categories A-Z drop down menu to see the results for 2023.
Acne Treatment
The 2023 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations was an online survey fielded between October 2022 and January 2023 by the research division of EnsembleIQ, the Medical Post’s parent company.
487 Canadian physicians
29 product categories
Reponses of store brands, prescription drugs, products not belonging in a category and generic suggestions (eg., Vitamin C, acetaminophen, etc.) were removed from the coding. The resulting lists for each product category were then ranked by the number of recommendations, resulting in a winner for the category. Margin for error of + 2.51 at the 95% confidence level.
About the #1 OTC brand logo
Only the OTC products voted #1 most-recommended brands by pharmacists in the Pharmacy Practice + Business Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations may use this logo or claim to be “Pharmacists’ most recommended brand.”
1. How often do you make recommendations on this OTC category each month?
2. If you make a recommendation at least once per month, what brand(s) do you usually recommend?
2 questions
38 product categories
1,454 Canadian pharmacists
The 2023 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations was an online survey fielded between October 2022 and January 2023 by the research division of EnsembleIQ.
PHARMACIST SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Region: National | Québec
Methodology: Pharmacist | Physician
1. How often do you make recommendations on this OTC category each month?
2 questions
Antibiotic Eye
and Ear Drops
Condoms
Antinauseant
Blood Pressure Monitor
Cold Sore Remedy
Eczema
Heat Analgesic (patch/wrap/rub)
Vaginal Lubricant
Hemmorhoids Treatment
Categories A-Z
Iron Supplement
Laxative
Moisturizer/Dry Skin Product
Natural Cold Remedy
Scar/Stretch Mark Therapy
Sunscreen
Methodology: Pharmacist | Physician
2. If you make a recommendation at least once per month, what brand(s) do you usually recommend?
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Management of adult acne
Helping patients proceed with caution: Phone apps for skin diseases
Dermatology Issues: A practical approach to navigating topical acne therapies
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=816; 56% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Spectro (NET)
4%
Neutrogena
6%
Cetaphil
6%
CeraVe
55%
Benzagel
Pharmacists
Acne Treatment
Most recommended for:
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x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Ophthalmic antibiotics speed recovery in children with acute infective conjunctivitis
A tough viral season is tough on children's ears: What family physicians should watch for
Ear, ear: Self-treatment of minor ear conditions
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,242; 85% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
1%
Optimyxin
3%
Sterisporin
96%
Polysporin
Pharmacists | Physicians
Antibiotic Eye and Ear Drops
Most recommended for:
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< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
The pharmacist's role in treating vomiting and diarrhea
Guidelines offer women options for treating 'morning sickness' during pregnancy
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,333; 92% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
88%
Gravol
Pharmacists | Physicians
Antinauseant
Most recommended for:
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< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Glucose hacks: Gimmick or guidance?
Travel planning for insulin users
Supporting patients who need help managing their diabetes
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 12% not shown; n=1,178; 81% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
12%
Accu-Chek
15%
FreeStyle
43%
OneTouch
53%
Bayer/Contour/
Contour Next/
Ascensia (NET)
Pharmacists
Blood Glucose Monitor
Most recommended for:
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< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Four tips for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments
Cold sores: Treat at first tingle
Finding relief from cold sores
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,148; 79% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations.BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
1%
Zilactin
1%
Oragel
8%
Lipactin
86%
Abreva
Pharmacists
Cold Sore Remedy
Most recommended for:
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x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
My nights at the Midnight circus
Keeping pace with contraception: a practical refresher for pharmacists
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=193; 13% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Ramses
3%
Magnum
9%
Lifestyle/Skyn (NET)
25%
Durex
55%
Trojan
Pharmacists
Condoms
Most recommended for:
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< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Emollients in bath no help for kids' eczema: study
Skin Care Guide: Eczema
Itching for relief: Helping eczema sufferers
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 7% not shown; n=1,250; 86% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
7%
Hyderm
8%
Spectro
8%
Polysporin
9%
Cortate
14%
Aveeno
Eczema Care
17%
CeraVe
Pharmacists
Eczema
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
A primer for counselling on pain relief
Advising patients about pain
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 5% not shown; n=630; 43% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
5%
ThermaCare
5%
Icy Hot
6%
Robax
12%
Salonpas
13%
Voltaren
33%
Rub A535/ Antiphlogistine
Pharmacists
Heat Analgesic (patch/wrap/rub)
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Are your patients with hemorrhoids suffering in silence?
Counseling Corner: Managing hemorrhoids with your patients
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=1,151; 79% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Tucks
2%
Hemovel
3%
Venixxa
14%
Preparation H
85%
Anusol
Pharmacists | Physicians
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Anemia of chronic disease: A contemporary approach
New guidance on iron requirements to prevent deficiency during first two years of life
Building an iron-clad case against anemia
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=1,070; 74% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Wampole
4%
Proferrin
4%
Jamieson
7%
Eurofer
14%
Palafer
44%
FeraMAX
Pharmacists | Physicians
Iron Supplement
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Treating pediatric constipation: Here’s the poop
Managing constipation in pediatric patients
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 3% not shown; n=1,371; 94% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
8
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
3%
Emolax
4%
Metamucil
8%
Dulcolax
23%
RestoraLAX
28%
Senokot
39%
Lax-A Day
Pharmacists | Physicians
Laxative
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Dermatology issues: Focus on topical therapies
Pharmacists profit from the growing skincare category
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 8% not shown; n=1,340; 92% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
8%
Eucerin
12%
Glaxal Base
12%
CUTIBase
13%
Cetaphil
17%
Aveeno
51%
CeraVe
Pharmacists | Physicians
Moisturizer/Dry Skin Product
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Four tips for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments
Cold sores: Treat at first tingle
Finding relief from cold sores
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=782; 54% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
14
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Sambucol
5%
NeilMed
5%
GeloMyrtol
10%
Boiron
11%
Cold-FX
28%
Helixia Prospan
Pharmacists
Natural Cold Remedy
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Skincare for new moms and moms-to-be
RELATED ARTICLE:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=523; 36% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
2
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Avene Cicalfate
7%
Dermatix
8%
Webber
12%
La Roche-Posay/Cicaplast
17%
Mederma
30%
Bio-Oil
Pharmacists | Physicians
Scar/Stretch Marks Therapy
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Bone Health Concerns for Sun-Protected Patients
50 shades of red: Is it sunburn or photosensitivity reaction?
Dermatology Issues: Sunscreens—selection, usage and safety concerns
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=938; 65% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Banana Boat
6%
Coppertone
6%
Aveeno
15%
Neutrogena
24%
La Roche-Posay/Anthelios
41%
Ombrelle
Pharmacists
Sunscreen
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Four tips for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments
Cold sores: Treat at first tingle
Finding relief from cold sores
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=1,215; 84% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Bacitracin
3%
Bactroban
84%
Polysporin
Pharmacists | Physicians
Topical Anti-Infective
Most recommended for:
< PREVIOUS
Blood Glucose Monitor
Topical Anti-Infective
UTI Prevention
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Social media helping MDs, helping patients
The future of human care
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=243; 50% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Bios
5%
LifeSource
37%
Omron
Physicians
Blood Pressure Monitor
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Antibiotic course for UTI in men can be shortened
A different kind of 'morning after pill': An antibiotic to prevent certain STIs?
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=117; 24% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
8
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Gynatrof
3%
Uriexo
3%
Jamieson
3%
Cystoplus
23%
Utiva
Physicians
UTI Prevention
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Two new menopause guidelines on sexuality highlight new treatments
Vaginal dryness: Tips to improve patients’ comfort
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=207; 43% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Vagisil
5%
Astroglide
7%
Gynatrof
9%
RepaGyn
23%
K-Y
50%
Replens
Physicians
Vaginal Lubricant
Most recommended for:
< PREVIOUS
NEXT >
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Eye care in primary care
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=204; 42% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
1%
Systane
70%
Polysporin
Pharmacists | Physicians
Antibiotic Eye and Ear Drops
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
The pharmacist's role in treating vomiting and diarrhea
Guidelines offer women options for treating 'morning sickness' during pregnancy
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=336; 69% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
91%
Gravol
Pharmacists | Physicians
Antinauseant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Doctors divided
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=251; 52% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Hemovel
3%
Anodan
10%
Venixxa
14%
Preparation H
64%
Anusol
Pharmacists | Physicians
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
QUIZ: How much do you know about iron deficiency and anemia?
New guidance on iron requirements to prevent deficiency during first two years of life
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=284; 58% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
9
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
OptiFer
3%
Eurofer
4%
Proferrin
13%
Palafer
48%
FeraMAX
Pharmacists | Physicians
Iron Supplement
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Treating pediatric constipation: Here’s the poop
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=378; 78% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
9
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Dulcolax
5%
Colace
12%
Metamucil
19%
Senokot
28%
RestoraLAX
42%
Lax-A Day
Pharmacists | Physicians
Laxative
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
An approach to assessing and managing pruritus
What dermatological symptoms can be signs of diabetes?
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 9% not shown; n=367; 75% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
14
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
9%
Eucerin
13%
Cetaphil
14%
Glaxal Base
32%
Aveeno
40%
CeraVe
Pharmacists | Physicians
Moisturizer/Dry Skin Product
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Skincare for new moms and moms-to-be
RELATED ARTICLE:
Responses less than 3% not shown; n=100; 21% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
3%
Aveeno
4%
Dermatix
7%
CICA-Care
8%
Mederma
9%
La Roche-Posay/Cicaplast
25%
Bio-Oil
Pharmacists | Physicians
Scar/Stretch Marks Therapy
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2023
Vaginal antiseptic for bacterial vaginosis Vablys now available in Canada
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=307; 63% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
1%
Baciguent
9%
Bactroban
72%
Polysporin
Pharmacists | Physicians
Topical Anti-Infective
Most recommended for:
< PREVIOUS
NEXT >
1%
Neosporin
1%
Bacitracin