Laxatives Market Analysis

Global Laxatives Market Overview

The  laxatives market size was valued at USD 6.89 Billion in 2023. The Laxatives market industry is projected to grow from USD 7.30 Billion in 2024 to USD 10.98 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.23% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The rising number of research and development activities, the rise in the prevalence of constipation among various people and an increase in the investment for developing advanced technologies are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Laxatives Market Trends

The increasing prevalence of eating disorders is driving the market growth

Market CAGR for laxatives is being driven by the increasing prevalence of eating disorders will fuel industry growth. Eating disorders have increased in developed economies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. Overuse of laxatives is particularly common among patients with eating disorders. Laxatives, available over-the-counter (OTC), have also contributed to excessive use. The laxatives market is growing tremendously as a result of this abuse. The growing geriatric population is anticipated to enhance the market's growth rate. Bowel disorders are becoming more common as the population ages. This is due to their bodies' inability to adequately digest meals. Muscle suppleness loss and poor function can lead to major problems. As a result of these factors, senior citizens are increasingly using laxatives.

Additionally, the geriatric population is expected to significantly impact the market studied, as people over 65 are more prone to chronic diseases. Geriatric people are five times more prone than younger adults to experience constipation-related issues. A poor diet causes this, a lack of sufficient fluids, a lack of exercise, the use of specific medications to treat other medical disorders, and unfavorable bowel habits are a few causes of this inclination. As per the World Health Organization Facts of 2021, the proportion of the world population aged 60 and up will almost double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, by 2030, 1 out of every 6 people will be 60 years old or older. The number of people aged 60 and up is expected to enhance from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2050. Thus, the growing geriatric population is expected to boost the laxatives market revenue.

High R&D spending for the development of innovative drugs, improvements in healthcare infrastructure, an increase in the elderly and geriatric population, sedentary lifestyles, changing dietary habits, and insufficient consumption of fast food in large quantities are all leading to increased demand for constipation treatment in the coming years. With the increased complexity of the healthcare industry, improved treatment and answers to emerging difficulties are required. Laxatives growth has been revolutionized by healthcare professionals with superior knowledge and expertise, the high prevalence of IBS, chronic constipation, and the development of cutting-edge drugs and treatment procedures.

Constipation is a common disorder experienced by every individual and is evident in 8% to 32.5% of the population worldwide. The increasing geriatric population, sedentary lifestyle and changing dietary habits in developed as well as upcoming economies and thus creating lucrative markets, especially the unexplored markets in the developing economies, is expected to increase the demand for constipation treatment across the globe in the near future. More than 50% of the people belonging to the age group above 50 years of age are prone to suffering chronic constipation. The average prevalence of constipation in adults has been around 16% worldwide, whereas 33.5% prevalence was seen in adults aged 60 to 110 years. There is a high prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and Latin America, leading to tremendous market growth over the forecast period.

Laxatives Market Segment Insights

Laxatives Route of Administration Insights

The  laxatives market segmentation, based on type, includes oral and rectal. The oral segment dominated the market, accounting for 35% of market revenue (2.41 Billion). In developing economies, category growth is driven by the growing prevalence of constipation among infants. However, rectal is the fastest-growing category due to the presence of a strong pipeline.

Laxatives Indication Insights

The  laxatives market segmentation, based on indication, includes chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and others. The chronic constipation category generated the most income (70.4%). Disorders such as diverticulosis cause constipation as a side effect. People become constipated due to the unusual foods they eat, contaminated foods, and other items. However, irritable bowel syndrome is the fastest-growing category, creating many opportunities for pharmaceutical companies.

Laxatives Drug Type Insights

The  laxatives market segmentation, based on drug type, includes hyperosmotic, bulk-forming, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. The lubricants category generated the most income owing to the rising demand for bio-based lubricants. However, irritable bowel syndrome is the fastest-growing category owing to the approval of the expanded version of stimulant drugs as the adequate treatment that operates in 70% - 80% of the cases.

Laxatives End User Insights

The  laxatives market segmentation, based on end users, includes hospitals & clinics, research institutes, and others. The research institutes category generated the most income due to growing research and development activities in laxatives drugs. However, hospitals & clinics are the fastest-growing category, as surgery departments and operating rooms in hospitals & clinics have a wide variety of needs.

Figure 1  Laxatives Market by End User, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Laxatives Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American laxatives market will dominate owing to various government measures to reassure the usage of single-use medical supplies to prevent infections, and the presence of prominent market participants will boost the market growth in this region. Further, the US laxatives market held the largest market share, and the Canadian laxatives market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2  LAXATIVES MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2023 (USD Billion)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's laxatives market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the growing number of individuals suffering from chronic constipation in this region. Further, the German laxatives market held the largest market share, and the UK laxatives market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific laxatives Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This is due to the high adoption of advanced technology and the growing demand for minimally invasive procedures over conventional methods. Moreover, China’s laxatives market held the largest market share, and the Indian laxatives market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Laxatives Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the laxatives market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking several strategic activities to expand their  footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the laxatives industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the  laxatives industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. Major players in the laxatives market, including F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Mylan N.V. (U.S.), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Ireland), Sanofi (France), Pfizer Inc. (U.S.), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Ardelyx Inc is a pharmaceutical company. It develops small molecule therapeutics for treating cardio-renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. The company offers products that include tenapanor and RDX013. Its products are utilized for hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease, constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, and hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease patients. Ardelyx develops proprietary drug discovery and design platforms to discover and design novel drug candidates, including Tenapanor. The firm collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology enterprises to discover small-molecule drugs. In April 2022, Ardelyx, Inc. received the United States Food and Drug Administration for IBSRELA. This is an NHE3 inhibitor for treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults.

Dabur India Ltd, a subsidiary of Burman Family Holdings, develops, markets and sells ayurvedic and natural healthcare products. The company’s product portfolio includes health supplements, digestives, cough and cold syrups and drops, energizers, women’s health and baby care products. It also offers hair oils, shampoos, moisturizing creams and lotions, toothpaste and toothpowders, room fresheners, fruit juices, beverages and other ethical products. Dabur markets its products under Vatika, Hajmola, Dabur Amla, Odonil and Odomos brand names. The company’s product range of merchandise is sold through organized retail chains, e-commerce platforms and specialized channels such as beauty retail and salons, chemists and ayurvedic pharmacies. In August 2019, Dabur announced that it had expanded the Ayurvedic laxative category with the 100% Ayurvedic product Dabur Kabz in India.

Key Companies in the Laxatives market include

• Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland)


• Mylan N.V. (U.S.)


• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Ireland)


• Sanofi (France)


• Pfizer Inc. (U.S.)


• GlaxoSmithKline plc (U.K.)


• Novartis AG (Switzerland)


• Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.)


• AstraZeneca (U.K.)


• Johnson & Johnson Private Limited (U.S.)


• Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (U.K.)


• Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India)


• Fresenius Kabi AG (Germany)

Laxatives Industry Developments

August 2019 The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention issued a circular noting the withdrawal of the Laxocodyl suppositories batch used for treating constipation in adults, produced by JulpharGulf Pharmaceutical Industries, due to incorrect labeling.

March 2021 Avrio Health L.P., a Purdue Pharma L.P. company, announced two Senokot laxative products Senokot Laxative* Gummies and Senokot Laxative* Tea.

Laxatives Market Segmentation

Laxatives Route of Administration Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Oral


• Rectal

Laxatives Indication Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2032)

• Chronic Constipation


• Irritable Bowel Syndrome


• Others

Laxatives Drug Type Outlook

• Hyperosmotic


• Bulk-Forming


• Stool Softeners


• Lubricants


• Stimulants

Laxatives End User Outlook

• Hospitals & Clinics


• Research Institutes


• Others

Laxatives Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America