Most Searched OTC Medication by State in 2026
Whether it is an allergy flare-up, an upset stomach, a headache, or a persistent cough, many Americans turn to over-the-counter medications to manage common symptoms.
These products may be available without a prescription, but people can still have questions about what they contain, how they should be used, and whether they are appropriate for a particular situation. Search behavior offers one way to understand which medications are generating the most interest across the country.
To uncover any trends, Marian University analyzed Google search data for a selected group of over-the-counter (OTC) medication terms. We identified the medication with the highest relative search interest in every state and Washington, D.C., over the past 12 months.
Key Findings
- TUMS was the most common regional leader in the Midwest, Northeast, and West, while Sudafed led the South.
- TUMS was the most widespread result, ranking as the top searched OTC medication in 11 states.
- Sudafed ranked first in six states and Washington, D.C.
- Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, and Nasonex each led in four states.
- A total of 21 different medications ranked first in at least one state.
- Medications associated with allergies, coughs, and congestion led in 22 states, while medications associated with digestive health led in 20.
What Is the Most-Searched OTC Medication in Every State?
Although a few medications led across multiple parts of the country, no single product dominated the results. A total of 21 different medications appeared as a state or district leader, including products associated with digestive health, pain relief, allergies, coughs, congestion, motion sickness, sleep, and other common health concerns.
Allergy, Cough & Congestion Meds
Medications related to allergies, coughs, and congestion represented the largest category, leading in 22 states.
This group included:
- Benadryl
- Delsym
- Flonase
- Mucinex
- Nasonex
- Oxymetazoline
- Sudafed
- Sudafed PE Day + Night Sinus Congestion Tablets
Digestive Meds
Medications associated with digestive health followed closely, ranking first in 20 states.
This group included:
- TUMS
- Gas-X
- Imodium A-D
- Metamucil
- MiraLAX
- Pepcid AC
- Pepto-Bismol
Pain-relief products led in five jurisdictions. Tylenol ranked first in four states, while Salonpas led in Nevada.
Motion sickness medications ranked first in two states: Bonine in Alaska and Dramamine in Hawaii.
A sleep-related product and an antifungal product each led in one state. Unisom ranked first in Utah, while Lotrimin led in Iowa.
Together, allergy, cough, congestion, and digestive health products accounted for 42 of the 51 state-level results, or more than eight in 10. This does not necessarily mean those conditions were more common. Instead, it shows that medications associated with those concerns generated the most relative search interest among the terms studied.
The map shows the OTC medication that ranked first among the terms analyzed in each state.
Closing Thoughts
Over-the-counter medications are a common part of everyday healthcare, but public interest in specific products varies significantly across the country.
These results provide a snapshot of what Americans are researching, not necessarily what they are buying or using. They also highlight how even familiar medications can raise questions about active ingredients, proper use, warnings, and potential interactions.
For nurses and other healthcare professionals, those everyday questions are an important part of patient education. Helping patients understand medication labels and make informed decisions is one of the many ways nurses can support safer, more confident self-care.
For students interested in building those skills, Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program combines nursing coursework, simulation and skills labs, and clinical experience as preparation for a career delivering patient care in nursing practice.
Methodology
This analysis used Google Trends data for 40 different over-the-counter medications over the 12-month period ending July 2026. For each state and Washington, D.C., we identified the medication with the highest relative search interest among the terms analyzed.
The findings reflect relative search interest among the medication terms included in the study. They should not be interpreted as medication sales, usage rates, the prevalence of medical conditions, or evidence that a product is safe, effective, or appropriate for an individual. Please consult with your primary care physician before taking any new medications.
Fair Use
You are welcome to use, reference, and share non-commercial excerpts of this study with proper attribution. If you cite or cover our findings, please link back to this page so readers can view the full methodology, charts, and context.