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Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Drug Price Trends for PROMETHAZINE-DM


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Drug Price Trends for PROMETHAZINE-DM

Average Pharmacy Cost for PROMETHAZINE-DM

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey
Drug Name NDC Price/Unit ($) Unit Date
PROMETHAZINE-DM 6.25-15 MG/5 ML SYRUP 00116-4024-16 0.04377 ML 2025-12-17
PROMETHAZINE-DM 6.25-15 MG/5 ML SOLUTION 00121-1070-16 0.04377 ML 2025-12-17
PROMETHAZINE-DM 6.25-15 MG/5 ML SOLUTION 00713-0780-75 0.04377 ML 2025-12-17
PROMETHAZINE-DM 6.25-15 MG/5 ML SOLUTION 27808-0057-01 0.04377 ML 2025-12-17
>Drug Name >NDC >Price/Unit ($) >Unit >Date

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Promethazine-DM

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

Promethazine-DM, a combination drug comprising promethazine and dextromethorphan, is widely used to manage cough, cold, allergy symptoms, and nausea. Its pharmacological profile offers therapeutic benefits for respiratory conditions, but market dynamics, patent statuses, regulatory influences, and competitive landscape significantly influence its commercial trajectory. This report provides a comprehensive market analysis alongside price projections, equipping stakeholders with critical insights for strategic planning.

Pharmacological Profile and Therapeutic Use

Promethazine-DM combines promethazine, a phenothiazine derivative with antihistaminic properties, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. The synergy targets symptoms such as cough, congestion, and nausea across diverse patient demographics, especially in pediatric and adult populations. The formulation is available over-the-counter (OTC) or via prescription, depending on regional regulations.

Regulatory and Patent Landscape

Regulatory Status

In several jurisdictions, Promethazine-DM faces regulatory scrutiny owing to safety concerns related to promethazine, which is associated with respiratory depression and sedation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding promethazine’s pediatric use, influencing prescribing patterns and availability.

Patent Considerations

Patent protections heavily influence market exclusivity. As many formulations of Promethazine-DM are generic, patent protections have largely expired in major markets like the U.S. and Europe. However, formulation-specific patents or new delivery systems could offer temporary exclusivity, impacting pricing strategies.

Market Dynamics and Demand Drivers

Global Market Size

The global market for cough and cold medications, including Promethazine-DM, is projected to reach USD 8-10 billion by 2027, driven by high prevalence of respiratory infections and allergy-related conditions. The OTC segment accounts for a significant share, especially in North America and Europe.

Regional Variations

  • North America: Mature market with high OTC sales; regulatory restrictions influence prescribing and sales.
  • Europe: Similar dynamics with emphasis on safety; regulatory agencies enforce strict labeling.
  • Asia-Pacific: Growing demand due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and prevalence of respiratory illnesses; regulatory landscape maturing.

Competitive Landscape

The market features multiple generics, with key players including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Several local and regional manufacturers also produce generic formulations, intensifying price competition.

Supply Chain Considerations

Trend shifts toward localized manufacturing and supply chain resilience post-pandemic influence pricing and availability. Ingredient sourcing for promethazine and dextromethorphan remains critical, with geopolitical factors impacting costs.

Pricing Strategies and Market Trends

Current Pricing Anecdotes

In the United States, OTC Promethazine-DM products retail between USD 4- USD 12 for a 4-8 oz bottle. Generic formulations are usually priced lower, with brand-name products commanding higher premiums.

Brand vs. Generic Pricing

Generics dominate due to cost-effectiveness, but brand-name variants may maintain higher prices due to brand loyalty and perceived quality. Regulatory scrutiny may influence these dynamics, especially if safety warnings lead to formulary restrictions.

Influencing Factors on Price

  • Regulatory restrictions: Can lead to increased costs if reformulations or repackaging are required.
  • Manufacturing costs: Fluctuate with raw material prices, especially dextromethorphan and promethazine.
  • Market demand: Seasonal peaks during cold and flu seasons inflate prices temporarily.
  • Distribution channels: Direct-to-consumer OTC sales tend to be more competitive.

Price Projections (2023–2028)

Short-Term Outlook (2023–2024)

Given the current patent expirations and increased availability of generics, prices are expected to decline marginally by 2–4%. Regulatory warnings targeting pediatric use may suppress sales volumes, slightly reducing overall revenue.

Medium to Long-Term Outlook (2025–2028)

  • Regulatory adaptation: If safety concerns lead to restrictions, demand could decline, depressing prices by approximately 5–8%.
  • Market penetration: Expansion into emerging markets and new formulations (e.g., liquids with extended shelf-life) may stabilize or elevate prices.
  • Innovation and reformulation: New delivery systems or combination therapies with patent protections could command price premiums, supporting an annual growth rate of 1–3%.

Impact of Competitors and Substitutes

Over-the-counter combination products with similar efficacy, such as dextromethorphan alone or antihistamine-based remedies, could supplant Promethazine-DM, exerting downward pressure on prices. Conversely, emerging formulations with enhanced safety or convenience could sustain higher prices.

Factors Influencing Future Market and Price Trends

Factor Impact Implication
Regulatory changes Negative Potential restrictions reduce demand and pricing
Patent expirations Negative Increased generic competition drives prices down
New formulations Positive Premium pricing for innovative delivery methods
Safety concerns Negative Warnings limit prescribing, impacting sales volume
Market expansion Positive Entry into emerging markets boosts volume and revenue

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Regulatory restrictions on pediatric use.
  • Intense price competition among generics.
  • Safety concerns impacting clinician and consumer confidence.

Opportunities:

  • Developing reformulated, safer versions to regain market share.
  • Expanding into untapped emerging markets.
  • Leveraging digital health tools for marketing and education.

Key Takeaways

  • The Promethazine-DM market is predominantly driven by OTC demand and high generic penetration, expecting modest price declines through 2024.
  • Patent expirations and safety warnings pose challenges but also open avenues for reformulation and innovation.
  • Strategic focus on emerging markets can offset declining prices in mature markets.
  • Regulatory and safety landscape will critically influence pricing and market volume.
  • Stakeholders should watch legislation trends, new product developments, and competitive strategies for informed decision-making.

FAQs

Q1: How does regulatory scrutiny affect Promethazine-DM pricing?
Regulatory warnings, particularly regarding pediatric safety, can lead to sales restrictions or reformulation efforts, potentially reducing demand and pressuring prices downward.

Q2: When are generic versions of Promethazine-DM expected to significantly impact prices?
As patents expire and more generics enter the market—expected between 2024 and 2026—price competition will intensify, resulting in further declines of 5–10% in average retail prices.

Q3: Are there any innovative formulations of Promethazine-DM on the horizon?
Yes; recent developments focus on long-acting liquids, single-dose formulations, and combination products with improved safety profiles, which can command higher prices and create new market segments.

Q4: How do regional regulations influence the global pricing strategy?
Regions with strict regulations and safety considerations tend to see lower prices and limited availability, whereas emerging markets with less regulatory barriers often offer higher growth opportunities at competitive prices.

Q5: What is the outlook for Promethazine-DM in the next five years?
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with stable demand driven by respiratory illness prevalence. However, prices are expected to trend downward modestly due to patent expirations and competition, with growth potential tied to market expansion and product innovation.


References

  1. FDA Warnings and Guidelines on Promethazine
  2. Market research reports on cough and cold medications industry, 2022-2027.
  3. Patent databases for expiration timelines.
  4. Regional regulatory agencies’ publications on OTC medication classifications.
  5. Industry analyses on generic drug pricing trends.

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