Stool Softener Global Market Report 2024

A stool softener is a laxative designed to ease the passage of stool by increasing intestinal water content, reducing the need for straining. It effectively treats mild constipation and is particularly beneficial for individuals needing to avoid strain post-surgery. Stool softeners are typically used temporarily to alleviate occasional constipation and are accessible without a prescription or as prescribed medication.

Stool softeners come primarily in liquid or softgel capsule forms. Liquid stool softeners are available for oral ingestion or rectal use, facilitating softer and smoother bowel movements. They are administered orally or rectally and are accessible over-the-counter or through prescription, serving diverse users including hospitals, clinics, and home care settings.

The stool softener market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides stool softener market statistics, including stool softener industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a stool softener market share, detailed stool softener market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the stool softener industry. This stool softeners market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The stool softener market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.58 billion in 2023 to $1.69 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%. In the historical period, growth can be ascribed to factors such as an aging population, dietary shifts, heightened public awareness regarding digestive health, increased surgical interventions, and sedentary lifestyles.

The stool softener market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.26 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period is anticipated due to rising incidences of gastrointestinal conditions, greater healthcare expenditures, intensified marketing initiatives by pharmaceutical firms, the reclassification of many stool softeners from prescription-only to over-the-counter status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Key trends projected for this period encompass advancements in medical diagnostics and therapies, the introduction and approval of more efficacious stool softener formulations, innovations in formulation technologies, the emergence of personalized stool softener products, and the development of effervescent stool softener tablets.

The anticipated rise in gastrointestinal disorders is set to drive the growth of the stool softener market in the coming years. Gastrointestinal disorders encompass any condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, spanning from the mouth to the anus. Factors contributing to the increased prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders include lifestyle changes such as unhealthy diet, sedentary habits, and stress. Stool softeners play a crucial role in alleviating gastrointestinal disorders by facilitating easier bowel movements, thereby preventing constipation and reducing strain. For example, according to Crohn's and Colitis Canada, the number of individuals in Canada with IBD is projected to increase significantly from 322,600 in 2023 (0.8% of the population) to 470,000 in 2035 (1.1% of the population). The diagnosis rate is also expected to rise from 11,000 cases in 2023 (1 every 48 minutes) to 14,000 cases in 2035 (1 every 38 minutes). Hence, the growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders is a key driver behind the stool softener market's expansion.

Leading companies in the stool softener market are concentrating on product innovations, such as medications for opioid-induced constipation (OIC), to better cater to customer needs. OIC medication addresses constipation caused by opioid pain medications. For instance, in February 2021, Endo International plc introduced Amitiza (Lubiprostone), a prescription medication designed to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Amitiza aids bowel movements by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines. It is also FDA-approved for treating opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain and chronic idiopathic constipation.

In June 2023, Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. acquired several brands, including Colace, Senokot, Betadine, and SlowMag, from Avrio Health L.P. (Avrio) for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition strengthens Atlantis's position as a leader in health and wellness, expanding its ability to improve consumer well-being. Avrio Health L.P. specializes in providing stool softeners.

Major companies operating in the stool softener market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Bayer AG, AstraZeneca Plc., Abbott Laboratories Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Solvay S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Mylan N.V., Purdue Pharma L.P., Mallinckrodt Plc, Aristo Pharma GmbH, Raptakos Brett Co. Ltd., Unipex Group Inc., Chemo Biological, Angiolife Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Iscon Life Sciences, Starmed Pvt. Ltd., Phaedrus Ltd., Stadmed Pvt. Ltd., Avrio Health L.P., Healwell, Velnex Medicare, Sanify Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the stool softener market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the stool softener market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the stool softener market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The stool softener market consists of sales of docusate sodium, docusate calcium, liquid gels, and fiber supplements. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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