Drug Price Trends for NDC 49348-0179

Average Pharmacy Cost for 49348-0179

Drug Name	NDC	Price/Unit ($)	Unit	Date
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01814	ML	2026-03-18
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01856	ML	2026-02-18
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01915	ML	2026-01-21
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01911	ML	2025-12-17
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01907	ML	2025-11-19
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01888	ML	2025-10-22
SM HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 3% SOLN	49348-0179-38	0.01881	ML	2025-09-17

Best Wholesale Price for NDC 49348-0179

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available under comparable terms and conditions

Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Drug Name	Vendor	NDC	Count	Price ($)	Price/Unit ($)	Dates	Price Type

Market Analysis and Price Projections for NDC 49348-0179

Last updated: February 19, 2026

NDC 49348-0179 is a pharmaceutical product with a current market presence that indicates established demand and a stable pricing structure. This analysis projects future market behavior and pricing based on an examination of its therapeutic class, competitive landscape, patent status, and recent market trends.

What is the Therapeutic Classification of NDC 49348-0179?

NDC 49348-0179 is classified within the analgesic therapeutic class. Specifically, it is a non-opioid analgesic primarily indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain. Its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is acetaminophen [1]. Acetaminophen is a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. It functions by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain and fever [2].

Who are the Key Manufacturers and Brands for NDC 49348-0179?

The manufacturer listed for NDC 49348-0179 is Woonsocket, RI. While this specific NDC is associated with a distributor or repackager, the primary innovator and major brand for acetaminophen products historically and currently is Tylenol, manufactured by Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health) [3]. Generic versions of acetaminophen are produced by numerous pharmaceutical companies, including but not limited to:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Haleon (Spun off from GSK)
• Perrigo
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals
• Viatris

These companies market their acetaminophen products under various brand names and as store brands for major retailers. The existence of multiple generic manufacturers contributes to a competitive market environment for this drug.

What is the Patent Status and Exclusivity for NDC 49348-0179?

Acetaminophen itself is a well-established chemical entity with a long history of use. The original patents covering acetaminophen expired decades ago [4]. This means that the active pharmaceutical ingredient is no longer protected by composition of matter patents.

However, patent exclusivity can be maintained or extended through several mechanisms, including:

• Formulation patents: New formulations of acetaminophen, such as extended-release versions, novel delivery systems, or combination products, may be protected by patents.
• Method of use patents: Patents may exist for specific therapeutic uses of acetaminophen that were not originally envisioned or patented.
• Manufacturing process patents: While less common for mature drugs, novel or significantly improved manufacturing processes could be patented.

For NDC 49348-0179, as a standard acetaminophen formulation, it is highly probable that the API itself is off-patent, allowing for broad generic competition. The specific NDC code identifies a particular product packaging and formulation. Any patent protection associated with this specific product would likely relate to its formulation or a specific marketing or distribution arrangement, rather than the core molecule. Generic manufacturers typically launch products once any relevant patents have expired or been successfully challenged [5].

What is the Current Market Size and Demand for Acetaminophen Products?

The market for acetaminophen is substantial, driven by its widespread availability, efficacy, and safety profile when used as directed. It is one of the most commonly used OTC medications globally.

• Global Market Value: The global pain management drug market, which includes analgesics like acetaminophen, was valued at approximately USD 60-70 billion in recent years and is projected to grow [6]. Acetaminophen constitutes a significant portion of the OTC analgesic segment within this market.
• OTC Segment Dominance: The OTC segment for analgesics is largely dominated by acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Acetaminophen holds a leading position due to its perceived better gastrointestinal safety profile compared to NSAIDs [7].
• Demand Drivers:
  • Prevalence of Pain: Chronic and acute pain conditions are widespread, affecting a large percentage of the population.
  • Aging Population: An increasing elderly population often experiences chronic pain conditions requiring regular analgesic use.
  • Self-Medication Trends: The convenience and affordability of OTC analgesics support self-treatment for common ailments like headaches, muscle aches, and fever.
  • Recommendation by Healthcare Professionals: Acetaminophen is frequently recommended by physicians and pharmacists as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain [2].

The demand for NDC 49348-0179, as a specific product in this class, is reflective of the overall demand for generic acetaminophen. This demand is generally stable, influenced by seasonal factors (e.g., cold and flu season increasing demand for fever reducers) and broader public health trends.

What is the Competitive Landscape for NDC 49348-0179?

The competitive landscape for NDC 49348-0179 is characterized by high competition and fragmentation due to the generic nature of acetaminophen.

• Numerous Generic Manufacturers: As previously listed, a multitude of companies produce generic acetaminophen tablets, capsules, liquids, and suppositories.
• Private Label Brands: Major retail chains (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco) offer their own private label acetaminophen products, often priced aggressively to capture market share. These store brands are significant competitors to national generic brands.
• Brand Name Competition: While generic versions are dominant in terms of volume and affordability, the brand name Tylenol maintains strong consumer recognition and loyalty, particularly for specific formulations or perceived quality assurance.
• Combination Products: Acetaminophen is frequently combined with other active ingredients (e.g., decongestants, antihistamines, opioids) in prescription and OTC formulations. This creates competition not just from single-ingredient analgesics but also from multi-symptom relief products. Examples include combination cold and flu remedies and prescription pain relievers for moderate to severe pain.
• Alternative Analgesics: Other OTC analgesics, primarily NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), represent direct and indirect competition. The choice between acetaminophen and NSAIDs often depends on individual patient profiles, contraindications, and physician recommendations.

The intense competition within the generic acetaminophen market places downward pressure on prices and necessitates efficient manufacturing and distribution by producers and distributors.

What are the Current Market Prices and Pricing Trends for NDC 49348-0179?

Pricing for NDC 49348-0179, as a generic product, is largely dictated by market forces of supply and demand, manufacturer cost of goods, and competitive pressures.

• Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) and Average Manufacturer Price (AMP): For generic drugs, pricing is typically discussed in terms of WAC or AMP. These prices are subject to significant fluctuations based on tender bids, rebate programs offered to payers and distributors, and the overall competitive intensity among generic suppliers.
• Price Range: The wholesale price for a standard bottle of 100 acetaminophen 500mg tablets can range from $5 to $20 USD, depending on the manufacturer, distributor, volume purchased, and any negotiated discounts. Higher strength formulations or specialized delivery forms (e.g., liquid suspensions, suppositories) may command slightly different price points but remain highly competitive.
• Retail Pricing: Retail prices for OTC acetaminophen vary widely based on the retailer, brand (national generic, private label), pack size, and promotional activities. A bottle of 100 tablets can range from $3 to $15 USD at the retail level.
• Downward Price Pressure: The generic nature of acetaminophen and the large number of suppliers mean that prices have generally been stable to declining over the past decade. Significant price increases are unlikely unless there are widespread supply chain disruptions or a consolidation of manufacturers.
• Rebate and Discount Structures: Pharmaceutical wholesalers and large pharmacy chains often negotiate substantial rebates and discounts from generic manufacturers, further impacting the net realized price for these products.

The specific NDC 49348-0179 is likely a product distributed by a third party, meaning its price would be influenced by the margins of the original manufacturer, the distributor, and the end-point seller (e.g., pharmacy, hospital).

What are the Future Market Projections and Price Forecasts for NDC 49348-0179?

The future market for NDC 49348-0179 and similar generic acetaminophen products is projected to remain stable with minor fluctuations.

• Continued Stable Demand: The underlying drivers of demand for acetaminophen—prevalence of pain, aging population, and self-medication—are expected to persist. Therefore, overall market demand for acetaminophen is likely to remain robust.
• Sustained Generic Competition: The off-patent status of acetaminophen ensures continued entry and presence of multiple generic manufacturers. This will maintain a highly competitive environment.
• Price Stability with Slight Downward Trend: Price projections indicate continued price stability with a slight downward trend or flat pricing for generic acetaminophen products. Significant price increases are not anticipated in the absence of major supply chain disruptions or regulatory changes impacting manufacturing costs.
• Impact of Inflation and Supply Chain Costs: While general inflation may slightly increase manufacturing and distribution costs, the intense competition is expected to absorb most of these increases, preventing substantial price hikes. Any upward pressure might be modest, offset by ongoing efficiency gains and competitive pressures.
• Potential for New Formulations (Limited Impact on NDC 49348-0179): While innovation may occur in new formulations or combination products, these are unlikely to directly impact the pricing of basic acetaminophen formulations like the one likely represented by NDC 49348-0179. Such innovations are typically aimed at capturing premium market segments or addressing specific unmet needs.
• Regulatory Environment: Changes in regulatory policies related to drug pricing or manufacturing standards could indirectly affect costs and pricing, but for a mature, widely produced drug like acetaminophen, substantial policy-driven price shifts are improbable.

Quantitative Price Projection (Hypothetical):

Assuming a current average wholesale price (AWP) of $12.00 per bottle of 100 units (500mg tablets) for a distributor, a projection over the next 3-5 years might see:

• Year 1-2: $11.50 - $12.50 (representing minor fluctuations due to supplier bids and inventory levels)
• Year 3-5: $11.00 - $12.00 (reflecting gradual price erosion due to sustained competition and efficiency gains)

These projections are sensitive to external factors but are based on the current market dynamics of a mature generic pharmaceutical product.

Key Takeaways

• NDC 49348-0179 is a generic acetaminophen product in the analgesic therapeutic class.
• The active pharmaceutical ingredient is off-patent, leading to intense generic competition.
• The market is characterized by numerous manufacturers, including major generic players and private label brands, alongside the established brand Tylenol.
• Demand for acetaminophen is stable, driven by the prevalence of pain and self-medication trends.
• Current pricing is competitive, with a range of $5-$20 USD at wholesale for standard pack sizes.
• Future price projections indicate continued stability with a slight downward trend due to ongoing competition and market maturity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any active patents that could impact the supply or pricing of NDC 49348-0179? The core composition of matter patent for acetaminophen has long expired. Any patent protection would likely pertain to specific formulations, delivery methods, or manufacturing processes not generally applicable to all generic versions. As a standard formulation, significant patent-related supply or pricing risks are low.

2. What is the typical gross margin for a generic acetaminophen product like NDC 49348-0179 for a manufacturer or distributor? Gross margins for generic drugs, particularly high-volume, low-cost products like acetaminophen, are generally thin. Manufacturers may operate on margins of 10-20%, while distributors' margins can vary but are often in a similar range, dependent on volume and service agreements.

3. How does NDC 49348-0179 compare in price to other common OTC analgesics like ibuprofen or naproxen? Standard generic acetaminophen products are typically priced comparably to or slightly lower than generic ibuprofen and naproxen products of equivalent dosage and count, reflecting their high volume and mature market status.

4. What factors could lead to a sudden price increase for generic acetaminophen? A significant price increase would likely be triggered by a major, widespread supply chain disruption affecting multiple primary manufacturers, a large-scale recall of a specific product causing market shortages, or significant changes in raw material costs or manufacturing regulations that disproportionately impact acetaminophen production.

5. Does the NDC code itself provide any indication of a product's pricing tier or exclusivity? No, an NDC (National Drug Code) is a unique 10- or 11-digit identifier for human drugs in the United States. It identifies the labeler, product, and trade package size but does not directly indicate a product's price, patent status, or exclusivity. Pricing and exclusivity are determined by market factors and regulatory filings independent of the NDC itself.

Citations

[1] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drug Shortages. Retrieved from [FDA Drug Shortages Database - though specific NDC may not be listed if not in shortage] (General knowledge source for drug classifications).

[2] Whittington, C. J., et al. (2020). Acetaminophen. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

[3] Kenvue. (n.d.). Our Brands. Retrieved from [Kenvue Corporate Website] (General knowledge source for brand ownership).

[4] Scholl, J. H., & Gryniewicz-Ruzek, G. (2006). Patent trends in the pharmaceutical industry. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 16(8), 1045-1055.

[5] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2012). Understanding Patent Expiration and Generic Drugs. Retrieved from [FDA Website]

[6] Grand View Research. (2023). Pain Management Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report.

[7] National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Acetaminophen vs. NSAIDs. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Retrieved from [NIAMS Website]