Consumers are trading up to stronger remedies, as they look for remedies which are fast, effective and convenient.

With self-medication on the increase, how important are recommendations by GPs and pharmacists in driving sales?

How high is brand loyalty among users of branded analgesics and own-label products?

The market for analgesics has grown sharply during 1999 and 2000, driven by consumers trading up to premium products, and on the back of the withdrawal from the market of large and relatively cheap packs of paracetamol, following the MCA ruling. Ibuprofen formulations continue to make inroads into the market, but consumers remain brand loyal, trading up or shifting to other formulations within their favoured brand's portfolio.

Consumers are trading up to stronger remedies, as they look for remedies which are fast, effective and convenient.

With self-medication on the increase, how important are recommendations by GPs and pharmacists in driving sales?

How high is brand loyalty among users of branded analgesics and own-label products?

The market for analgesics has grown sharply during 1999 and 2000, driven by consumers trading up to premium products, and on the back of the withdrawal from the market of large and relatively cheap packs of paracetamol, following the MCA ruling. Ibuprofen formulations continue to make inroads into the market, but consumers remain brand loyal, trading up or shifting to other formulations within their favoured brand's portfolio.

Mintel's last report on this market was published in August 1998.

Other Mintel reports of relevance to this market include:

- Cold and Flu Remedies, Market Intelligence, September 2000

- Minor Ailment Remedies, Market Intelligence, July 2000

- First Aid, Market Intelligence, June 2000

- Cough and Throat Remedies, Market Intelligence, March 2000

- Self-Diagnostics, Market Intelligence, September 1999

- Vitamins, Minerals and Dietary Supplements, Market Intelligence, May 1999

- Complementary Medicines, Market Intelligence, March 1999.

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