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 + 3.16 at the 95% confidence level.
OTC MOST-RECOMMENDED BRANDS 2024
The Annual #1 OTC Counselling & Recommendation Survey is an industry indicator that has tracked and measured pharmacist and physician counselling patterns for OTC products for 30 and 16 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 2024.
Acne Treatment
The 2024 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations was an online survey fielded between October 2023 and January 2024 by the research division of EnsembleIQ.
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 + 2.11 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.
If you make a recommendation at least once per month, what brand(s) do you usually recommend?
questions
39
Canadian pharmacists
The 2024 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations was an online survey fielded between October 2023 and January 2024 by the research division of EnsembleIQ.
PHARMACISTS
NATIONAL Québec
Condoms
Antinauseant
Blood Pressure Monitor
Cold Sore Remedy
Eczema Care
Heat Analgesic (patch/wrap/rub)
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Physicians
Iron Supplement
Lice Treatment
Nail Fungus Treatment
Pregnancy Test Kit
Scar/Stretch Marks Therapy
Sunscreen
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Dermatology Issues: A practical approach to navigating topical acne therapies
CE: Management of common skin conditions in adolescents
Helping patients find the best treatment plan for their facial and truncal acne
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 24% not shown; n=1,681; 83% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
24%
La Roche-Posay
34%
Spectro
42%
CeraVe
48%
Cetaphil
80%
Benzagel
Acne Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
The pharmacist's role in treating vomiting and diarrhea
Treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness and more
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,968; 98% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
11
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
Antinauseant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
POP QUIZ: Diabetes and glucose monitoring terminology
Supporting patients who need help managing their diabetes
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 29% not shown; n=1,752; 87% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
8
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
29%
FreeStyle Lite
35%
Accu-Chek
56%
OneTouch
73%
Contour/Contour Next/Ascensia
Blood Glucose Meter
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Finding relief from cold sores
Four tips for pharmacists prescribing for minor ailments
Cold sores: Treat at first tingle
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 5% not shown; n=1,812; 90% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
8%
Orajel
10%
Zilactin
27%
Lipactin
92%
Abreva
Cold Sore Remedy
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Keeping pace with contraception: a practical refresher for pharmacists
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 15% not shown; n=607; 30% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
15%
Magnum
26%
Lifestyle/Skyn
38%
Durex
51%
Trojan
Condoms
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Helping kids with itchy skin: tips for eczema management and treatment during a pandemic
Updated international guidelines for management of atopic dermatitis (eczema)
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 32% not shown; n=1,905; 94% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
9
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
32%
Cortate
34%
Cetaphil
36%
Glaxal Base
37%
Hyderm
37%
Aveeno
Eczema Care
61%
CeraVe
Eczema Care
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Guide to OTC health management: Topical pain relief
A primer for counselling on pain relief
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 21% not shown; n=1,510; 75% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
8
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
21%
Deep Heat
26%
Salonpas
28%
Magic Bag
31%
Deep Relief
33%
Icy Hot
49%
Rub A535/ Antiphlogistine
Heat Analgesic (patch/wrap/rub)
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Are your patients with hemorrhoids suffering in silence?
Managing hemorrhoids…let’s get to the bottom of this!
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 11% not shown; n=1,875; 93% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
11%
Hemovel
22%
Venixxa
23%
Tucks
37%
Preparation H
92%
Anusol
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Absurdly common’: Physicians need to be more proactive about iron deficiency
Anemia of chronic disease: A contemporary approach
New resources on managing iron - deficiency anemia
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 14% not shown; n=1,602; 79% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
14%
Jamieson
15%
Wampole
17%
Proferrin
26%
Eurofer
38%
Palafer
65%
FeraMAX
Iron Supplement
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Managing constipation in pediatric patients
New U.S. guidelines on the pharmacologic mgmt of chronic idiopathic constipation
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 24% not shown; n=1,991; 99% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
14
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
24%
Relaxa
33%
Metamucil
33%
Dulcolax
50%
RestoraLAX
55%
Senokot
69%
Lax-A Day
Laxative
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Pharmacists profit from the growing skincare category
Updated international guidelines for the management of atopic dermatitis (eczema)
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 34% not shown; n=1,932; 96% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
11
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
34%
Eucerin
42%
Cetaphil
42%
Aveeno
44%
Glaxal Base
74%
CeraVe
Moisturizer/Dry Skin Product
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Skincare for new moms and moms-to-be
RELATED ARTICLE:
Responses less than 16% not shown; n=1,111; 55% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
3
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
16%
Mederma
18%
Cica-care
19%
Avène
Cicalfate
20%
Dermatix
34%
La Roche-Posay/Cicaplast
44%
Bio-Oil
Scar/Stretch Marks Therapy
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
QUIZ: Test your knowledge of sun protection in special patient populations
Could new sunscreens be developed from melanin itself?
Researchers confirm link between baldness and skin cancer
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 15% not shown; n=1,561; 77% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
15%
Vichy
16%
Coppertone
17%
Aveeno
28%
Neutrogena
44%
La Roche-Posay/Anthelios
56%
Ombrelle
Sunscreen
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
Blood Glucose Meter
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Social media helping MDs, helping patients
The future of human care
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,757; 87% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
Blood Pressure Monitor
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Update on diagnosis and management of hyperemesis gravidarum
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=715; 75% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations.
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
93%
Gravol
Antinauseant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
Click to select your region:
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Pharmacists | Physicians
2,016
product categories
How often do you make recommendations on this OTC category each month?
2.
PHYSICIANS
Canadian physicians
958
27
product categories
1.
2.
How often do you make recommendations on this OTC category each month?
If you make a recommendation at least once per month, what brand(s) do you usually recommend?
questions
About the #1 OTC brand logo
Only the OTC products voted #1 most-recommended brands by physicians in the Medical Post’s 2024 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations may use this logo or claim to be “Physicians’ most recommended brand.”
Laxative
Moisturizer/Dry Skin Product
Pediatric Probiotic
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Canadian Paediatric Society issues updated guidance on managing head lice
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=1,686; 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%
Zap
20%
R&C
26%
Resultz
27%
Kwellada-P
56%
Nix
67%
Nyda
Pharmacists | Physicians
Lice Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Case report: flaky foot
New Canadian guidelines for managing toenail onychomycosis
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 9% not shown; n=1,458; 72% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
5
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
9%
Dr. Scholl’s
15%
Fungi-Nail
16%
FUNGICURE
17%
Micatin
19%
Tinactin
48%
Emtrix
Pharmacists | Physicians
Nail Fungus Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Are probiotics effective and safe in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children?
Updated guidance on probiotic use in neonates, infants and children
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 9% not shown; n=1,293; 64% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
9%
Align
10%
Culturelle
13%
Florastor
19%
Bio-K Plus/
Bio-Kidz
22%
Probaclac
78%
BioGaia
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pediatric Probiotic
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Importance of pre-conception and pregnancy planning — First Response
RELATED ARTICLE:
Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,158; 57% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
4
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
1%
OVRY
49%
Clearblue
54%
First Response
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pregnancy Test Kit
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
1%
Gastrovol
2%
Jamieson
6%
Sea Band
9%
Gaviscon
13%
Pepto-Bismol
89%
Gravol
1%
Welch Allyn
2%
HoMedics
12%
Physio Logic
30%
Bios
33%
Omron
58%
LifeSource/A&D
5%
Anbesol
7%
Blistex
Big adventures for little explorers—considerations for travelling with children
Blood glucose monitoring: update on terms and recommendations
Advising patients about pain
Counseling Corner: Managing hemorrhoids with your patients
Treating pediatric constipation: Here’s the poop
Dermatology issues: Focus on topical therapies
Wondering about pregnancy tests? ‘Urine’ luck!
Categories A-Z
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pharmacists
Vaginal Lubricant
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Home blood pressure devices are not all equal
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 2% not shown; n=665; 69% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
8
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
2%
Physio Logic
2%
HoMedics
6%
Bios
16%
Welch Allyn
16%
LifeSource/A&D
35%
Omron
Pharmacists | Physicians
Blood Pressure Monitor
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
QUIZ: Can you balance physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep?
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 4% not shown; n=615; 64% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
4%
Hemovel
13%
Tucks
23%
Venixxa
41%
Preparation H
85%
Anusol
Pharmacists | Physicians
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
New resource on managing iron-deficiency anemia
‘Absurdly common’: Physicians need to be more proactive about iron deficiency
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 8% not shown; n=644; 67% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
9
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
8%
Optifer
9%
Jamieson
11%
Proferrin
15%
Eurofer
42%
Palafer
65%
FeraMAX
Pharmacists | Physicians
Iron Supplement
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Managing constipation in pediatric patients
Splitting laxative dose better for colonoscopy polyp detection
New U.S. guidelines on the pharmacologic mgmt of chronic idiopathic constipation
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 33% not shown; n=776; 81% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
12
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
33%
Dulcolax
33%
Colace
44%
Senokot
50%
Metamucil
53%
RestoraLAX
65%
Lax-A Day
Pharmacists | Physicians
Laxative
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Screen all adolescent patients for eating disorders, new pediatric guidance says
Is extreme calorie restriction a better idea than drugs or surgery for obese youth?
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 9% not shown; n=231; 24% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
7
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
9%
Ddrops Kids/ Ddrops Baby
15%
Culturelle
16%
Florastor
19%
Bio-K Plus/
Bio-Kidz
24%
Align
44%
BioGaia
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pediatric Probiotic
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
QUIZ: Test your knowledge of sun protection in special patient populations
Could new sunscreens be developed from melanin itself?
Researchers confirm link between baldness and skin cancer
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 12% not shown; n=594; 62% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
10
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
12%
CeraVe
13%
Coppertone
17%
Aveeno
26%
Neutrogena
27%
La Roche-Posay/Anthelios
39%
Ombrelle
Pharmacists | Physicians
Sunscreen
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
What can we learn? The push and pull of sex in cancer survivors
Misleading monographs? These doctors say estrogen creams are safe and should be viewed that way
RELATED ARTICLES:
Responses less than 14% not shown; n=523; 55% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
6
AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS / MONTH
14%
Astroglide
17%
Gynatrof
18%
Vagisil
31%
RepaGyn
43%
K-Y
64%
Replens
Physicians
Vaginal Lubricant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
Pharmacists
Sunscreen
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Update on diagnosis and management of hyperemesis gravidarum
RELATED ARTICLES:
11 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,968; 98% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Antinauseant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Home blood pressure devices are not all equal
RELATED ARTICLES:
4 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 1% not shown; n=1,757; 87% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Blood Pressure Monitor
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
QUIZ: Can you balance physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep?
RELATED ARTICLES:
5 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 11% not shown; n=1,875; 93% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Absurdly common’: Physicians need to be more proactive about iron deficiency
New resources on managing iron - deficiency anemia
RELATED ARTICLES:
7 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 14% not shown; n=1,602; 79% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Iron Supplement
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
RELATED ARTICLES:
5 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 15% not shown; n=1,561; 77% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Sunscreen
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Screen all adolescent patients for eating disorders, new pediatric guidance says
Is extreme calorie restriction a better idea than drugs or surgery for obese youth?
RELATED ARTICLES:
4 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 9% not shown; n=1,293; 64% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Pediatric Probiotic
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
Managing constipation in pediatric patients
Splitting laxative dose better for colonoscopy polyp detection
New U.S. guidelines on the pharmacologic mgmt of chronic idiopathic constipation
RELATED ARTICLES:
14 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 24% not shown; n=1,991; 99% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Pharmacists | Physicians
Laxative
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
x
OTC Most-Recommended Brands 2024
What can we learn? The push and pull of sex in cancer survivors
Misleading monographs? These doctors say estrogen creams are safe and should be viewed that way
RELATED ARTICLES:
5 AVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS/MONTH: Responses less than 15% not shown; n=1,561; 77% recommend in category. Results may total >100% due to multiple brand recommendations. BASE: Make at least 1 recommendation/month
Physicians
Vaginal Lubricant
Most recommended for:
NEXT >
< PREVIOUS
1%
3%
Sea Band
3%
Jamieson
22%
Pepto-Bismol
24%
Gaviscon
Gastrovol
Fruit juice linked to increased BMI in children
Fruit juice linked to increased BMI in children
QUIZ: Test your knowledge of sun protection in special patient populations
Could new sunscreens be developed from melanin itself?
Researchers confirm link between baldness and skin cancer
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