Expectorant Drugs - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Expectorant Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 100 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 120 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the expectorant drugs market. The initial virus outbreak led to a surge in the demand for over-the-counter (OTC) expectorants as people sought relief from respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. The rise in respiratory illnesses like influenza has led to a higher demand for expectorants, which help clear mucus from the airways. This can strain supply chains and lead to shortages of expectorant drugs globally. Post-COVID-19 complications like lung fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were growing concerns. Expectorants can play a role in managing such conditions, potentially boosting market growth. For instance, COPD takes over 3 million lives each year, impacting an estimated 392 million people globally. Out of these, three-quarters of individuals live in low-middle countries with COPD conditions. People with COPD Condition further require expectorant drugs to treat the disease, which is expected to increase the demand for the expectorant market further.

Furthermore, the growing incidence of respiratory infections, rising seasonal fluctuations, and easier medication access are expected to expand the market. Respiratory illnesses like the common cold, influenza, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are rising globally. For instance, in October 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2021-2022 season, influenza caused a significant burden on healthcare systems, with an estimated 9.4 million people suffering from the illness, 4.3 million required medical visits and 1,00,000 seeking hospitalizations. Additionally, in October 2023, data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that about 1 billion people experience seasonal influenza yearly, with 3 to 5 million cases progressing to severe illness. Thus, expectorant drugs are used heavily in respiratory conditions, raising the demand for expectorant drugs.

Moreover, the senior population is more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma due to a weakened immune system, slower lung function, and underlying health conditions. For instance, in November 2023, according to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), pneumonia is a prevalent infectious disease among children, with 1,400 cases of pneumonia per 100,000 children worldwide. Due to rising cases of pneumonia among adults and children, there will be a further need for expectorant drugs to treat the patient, which will increase the market expansion in the forecast period.

Due to the factors above, such as rising cases of respiratory infections, adoption of telemedicine, awareness among people about respiratory conditions, and increasing geriatric population, the market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

However, governments and regulatory bodies impose strict guidelines regarding the sale and use of expectorant drugs. Certain countries have banned or restricted codeine-containing cough suppressants due to safety concerns.

Expectorant Drugs Market Trends

Over-the-counter medications are increasingly popular among consumers due to their convenience and affordability

Over-the-counter drug medications can be purchased without a prescription from healthcare professionals. These drugs are generally used in common respiratory conditions, such as coughs and congestion, by helping to loosen mucus and clear the airways. OTC expectorants are usually less expensive than prescription expectorants. OTC expectorants readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets simplify access for patients with mild respiratory symptoms like cough and congestion. This eliminates the need for doctors' visits and prescriptions, saving time and cost. For instance, in February 2023, the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications stated that as a trend of increased use of OTC medications, approximately 20.8% of over-the-counter medications were taken by pregnant women during pregnancy in India in the year 2022.

Furthermore, OTC expectorants are generally cheaper than prescription or other respiratory medications. This affordability makes them a more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Also, manufacturers focus on FDA approval for OTC expectorants to ensure a market launch. For instance, in August 2023, Marksans Pharma received U.S. FDA approval to sell over-the-counter guaifenesin extended-release tablets in 600 mg and 1200 mg (OTC). Additionally, pharmaceutical companies promote expectorant drug effectiveness and ease of use for humans. This brand awareness and targeted marketing play a significant role in driving consumers' preference towards OTC options.

Hence, increasing the use of OTC medications and making them readily available in the market can also be effective treatment options for respiratory conditions, which are expected to grow in the coming years.

North America is Expected to Dominate the Expectorant Drugs Market

North America is expected to dominate the market owing to factors such as the high prevalence of respiratory diseases, the presence of key players, rising R&D expenditure, and the rapidly rising older population. Respiratory diseases are a significant health concern in North America, with the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia being among the most common causes of illness. For instance, in 2022, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.6% of adults in the U.S. reported having been diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. The primary symptom of asthma is excessive mucus production in the airways, leading to congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Expectorant drugs like guaifenesin and ambroxol are helping by thinning and loosening mucus; due to this factor, the market will expand in the forecast period. For instance, in November 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2022, 8.7% of adults and 6.2% of children younger than 18 years struggled with asthma in the U.S.

Expectorant drugs play a crucial role by providing significant relief to asthma patients, which increases the market expansion in the forecast period. For instance, in March 2023, according to Statistics Canada, asthma affected an estimated 3.8 million Canadians, with a prevalence ranging from 7-2% in Alberta. Due to the increasing adoption of expectorant drugs in the region, the market will see lucrative growth opportunities in the upcoming years.

The pharmaceutical companies actively launched and promoted expectorant drugs in the region. For instance, in March 2021, Merck KGaA received FDA approval for Gefapixant, an investigational, orally administered, selective P2X3 receptor antagonist. Gefapixant is used as a potential treatment for refractory chronic cough in adults.

Therefore, the market is expected to witness significant growth in the region due to those above, like the growing prevalence of respiratory disease, the rising geriatric population, and the manufacturing and development of new products.

Expectorant Drugs Industry Overview

The expectorant drugs market is moderately fragmented in nature due to the presence of several companies operating globally as well as regionally. Major players in the market are majorly focused on regulatory approval in particular countries as well as product launches to expand their presence in the global market. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international as well as local companies that hold the market shares and are well known including Merck KGaA, ARPIMED, Perrigo company plc, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Sanofi, Aurobindo Pharma, Genexa Inc., GSK plc, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Cipla Inc., AstraZeneca and among others.

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