Constipation Laxative Market Report 2025

The constipation laxative market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $7 billion in 2024 to $7.37 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing number of elderly individuals, lack of physical activity, greater awareness about digestive health, easy access to laxatives, and rising incidence of gastrointestinal diseases.

The constipation laxative market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.13 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increased recommendations from doctors and pharmacists, regulatory changes impacting drug approval, growth in the functional foods market, increased availability and distribution of laxatives, and the rise of e-commerce platforms. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in pharmaceuticals, improved manufacturing processes, ongoing research into gastrointestinal health, product innovations, and the development of combination formulations.

The forecast of 5.5% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.6% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. Trade tensions could hinder U.S. gastroenterology practices by inflating prices of prescription-strength osmotic laxatives manufactured in India and Israel, resulting in limited irritable bowel syndrome with constipation treatment options and higher digestive health care expenditures. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing prevalence of constipation is expected to drive the growth of the constipation laxative market. Constipation is a symptom marked by infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three times a week, and difficulty passing hard, dry stools. The rise in constipation cases is due to various factors such as changes in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, inadequate fluid intake, and certain medical conditions or medications. Constipation laxatives help alleviate constipation by stimulating bowel movements or softening stools, thereby restoring regularity and easing discomfort when dietary and lifestyle changes are not enough. For instance, a survey conducted in January 2024 by Cureus, a US-based peer-reviewed journal, on 1,139 participants aged 18 and above in Saudi Arabia, found that 811 participants (71.2%) reported either current or past experiences with constipation. Thus, the increasing prevalence of constipation is driving the growth of the constipation laxative market.

Major companies in the constipation laxative market are focusing on innovating new products, such as ayurvedic liquid laxatives, to meet the needs of consumers seeking effective and palatable solutions for constipation. Ayurvedic liquid laxatives are herbal-based solutions designed to alleviate constipation by promoting bowel movements, offering a natural alternative within the range of constipation laxatives. For example, in December 2023, Lupin Life, an India-based pharmaceutical company, launched Softovac Liquifibre, a 100% Ayurvedic liquid laxative. This innovative product combines Isabgol fiber with natural actives including Sonamukhi, Harad, Mulethi, Saunf, Amaltas, and Gulab Dal. Softovac Liquifibre provides a gentle and non-habit-forming solution for constipation. It is enhanced with advanced technologies for optimal particle size and mango flavor, catering to consumers' preferences for palatable and diabetic-friendly options.

In January 2023, Nuance Medical, a US-based healthcare company, acquired Beutlich Pharmaceuticals and its HurriCaine brand for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enhances Nuance's offerings in the medical product sector, particularly in pain management and anesthesia, and expands its presence in the medical product market. Beutlich Pharmaceuticals is a US-based pharmaceutical company that produces laxative suppositories for relief from occasional constipation.

Major companies operating in the constipation laxative market are Procter & Gamble Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Bayer AG, Sanofi S.A, AstraZeneca PLC, Abott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmBH, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Fresenius Kabi AG, Daiichi Sankya Company Limited, Eisai Co. Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Ltd, Purdue Pharma LP, Shionogi & Co. Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Cipla Limited, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Beutlich Pharmaceuticals LLC.

North America was the largest region in the constipation laxative market in 2024. The regions covered in the constipation laxative market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the constipation laxative market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The constipation laxative market consists of sales of enemas and suppositories. 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.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a significant impact on the pharmaceutical sector. Companies are grappling with higher costs on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), glass vials, and laboratory equipment - many of which have limited alternative sources. Generic drug manufacturers, already operating with minimal profit margins, are particularly affected, with some scaling back production of low-margin medications. Biotech firms are also experiencing delays in clinical trials due to shortages of specialized reagents linked to tariffs. In response, the industry is shifting API production to regions like India and Europe, building up inventory reserves, and advocating for tariff exemptions on essential medicines.

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

Constipation laxatives are medications or substances designed to stimulate bowel movements or soften stool to alleviate constipation. They encompass various types, including stool softeners and stimulant laxatives, each working through different mechanisms to facilitate the passage of stool through the intestines.

The primary types of constipation laxatives are bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, and others. Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid in the intestines, creating a bulkier, softer stool that is easier to pass. These laxatives can be administered orally or rectally. They are distributed through hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and drug stores.

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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.