Constipation Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonists, Laxative, Chloride Channel-2 Activator, Guanylate Cyclase-C (GC-C) Agonist, Others), By Disease Type (Opioid-Induced Constipation, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation), By Prescription Type (Prescribed Drugs, Over-the-Counter Drugs), By Distribution Channel (Online Pharmacy, Drug Store and Retail Pharmacy, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global constipation treatment market size was valued at USD 5.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 9.11 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The rise in the prevalence of chronic pain, the rise in the prevalence of constipation, and the rise in the availability of efficacious medications for treating constipation stimulate market growth.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and discomfort. Constipation treatment entails a variety of approaches and strategies to relieve and manage constipation symptoms. The choice of treatment for constipation depends on its severity and underlying causes.

Constipation treatment market share is expected to rise at 5.8% CAGR due to the rise in the prevalence of chronic pain, the rise in the prevalence of constipation, and the rise in the availability of efficacious medications for the treatment of constipation.

Market Dynamics

Global constipation treatment market drivers

High prevalence of constipation

Constipation is a prevalent digestive disorder that affects individuals of all ages. It is a worldwide problem, resulting in a substantial demand for treatments. Constipation affects not only adults but also infants. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 2019, up to 30 percent of children in Western countries suffer constipation. Due to the prevalence of constipation, there is a substantial demand for therapies and treatments that alleviate symptoms and provide respite.

According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately 14% of the global population will suffer chronic constipation in 2023. Consequently, the high prevalence of constipation is a major driver of the constipation treatment market, creating a substantial demand for products and therapies designed to alleviate constipation symptoms. As constipation continues to be a prevalent global health concern, the market continues to expand and adapt to satisfy the needs of affected individuals of all ages.

Global constipation treatment market restraints

Side effects of the treatment

Numerous constipation treatment options, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, can have adverse effects that may discourage patients from using them consistently or for an extended period. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that children with constipation treated with stimulant laxatives were more likely to develop diarrhea as a side effect. Similarly, the National Library of Medicine estimates that up to 20% of the population suffers from chronic constipation, which significantly negatively influences quality of life and causes significant psychological distress. 

Side effects can reduce adherence to constipation medications, as individuals may be reluctant to continue using treatments that cause discomfort or undesirable effects. Although these medications may effectively relieve constipation, their adverse effects may limit their long-term use and prompt patients to seek alternative treatments or lifestyle changes. These adverse effects are likely to impede the constipation treatment market growth.

Global constipation treatment market opportunities

Innovative treatments

Introducing novel constipation treatment options represents a substantial market growth opportunity. The constipation treatment market trend is anticipated to vary as These developments seek to provide more effective, safer, and patient-friendly treatments. In development are biologic therapies that target specific molecules or receptors implicated in constipation. These treatments strive to be precise and effective while minimizing adverse effects. Ongoing research and development efforts are being made in the sector of biologics. As these therapies progress through clinical trials and receive approval, they can potentially transform the landscape of constipation treatment.

Innovative treatments can provide more effective constipation symptom relief, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Innovative constipation treatments can give companies a competitive advantage in the marketplace and position them as leaders in gastrointestinal healthcare. Pursuing innovation in treating constipation drives increased research and development spending, benefiting patients and the healthcare industry.

Regional Analysis

The global constipation treatment market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North america dominates the global market

North America holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of % during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to dominate the global market, primarily due to the rising prevalence of chronic constipation and the rising investment in healthcare. According to December 2021 data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), constipation affects individuals of all ages and demographics in the United States. Constipation affects approximately 16 of every 100 people. Constipation affects approximately 33 out of every 100 seniors. Consequentially, the rising prevalence of constipation among individuals is anticipated to increase the demand for effective treatments, thereby fuelling the growth of the studied market. In addition, the United States retains the largest market share in the North American region due to factors such as many manufacturers of constipation medications.

In addition, the rise in the prevalence of chronic pain disorder and the increase in the use of analgesics for pain management are projected to increase the incidence of constipation. Therefore, these factors contribute to market growth. For example, according to the U.S. Pain Foundation 2022 report, 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain annually, and approximately 47% of these individuals consume opioid medications, driving the market growth. In addition, the rise in regulatory approval of medications for treating opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is anticipated to fuel market growth. In addition, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that the U.S. government spends between USD 560 and USD 635 billion annually on pain medications, which is anticipated to contribute to the growth of the global market.

Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of % throughout the forecast period due to increased constipation and the number of geriatrics more susceptible to the condition. China, as one of the major countries in the region, has a substantial market for constipation treatments. Changing lifestyles and an aging population contribute to the demand for constipation remedies. The healthcare landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is diverse, from highly developed healthcare systems in Japan and Australia to emerging healthcare markets in Southeast Asia. This diversity influences the availability and accessibility of treatment options for constipation.

Additionally, according to a 2022 report from Pace Hospital, constipation is a common gastrointestinal ailment that affects people of all ages, with a prevalence of approximately 20% in the general population and 29.6% in minors. The elderly are more susceptible to constipation than the younger population. Older women suffer from acute constipation two to three times more frequently than their male counterparts. In India, 22% of adults suffer from constipation, of which 59% report acute constipation and 27% report constipation associated with certain comorbidities.

Europe is moderately growing during the forecast period, according to the global market insights. Europe has an aging population, and older individuals are more likely to suffer from constipation. As the percentage of senior citizens rises, so does the demand for constipation treatments. The United Kingdom has a well-established healthcare system and a rising senior population. Both prescription and over-the-counter treatments for constipation are broadly accessible.

Additionally, European pharmaceutical companies, such as those in the United Kingdom and Germany, invest in research and development to develop new medications for treating constipation. For instance, introducing new classes of medications, such as chloride channel-2 activators and guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists, gives patients more options for treating constipation.

Some nations in the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America are still emerging markets with developing healthcare systems and low healthcare awareness. In these regions, the market for constipation treatments may be in its infancy, with limited access to refined treatment options and an emphasis on traditional remedies.

Segmental Analysis

The global constipation treatment market is segmented based on product type, disease type, prescription type, distribution channel, and region.

Product type is further segmented into Mu-opioid receptor antagonists, laxatives, chloride channel-2 activators, guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists, and others.

Laxative influenced the market share. Laxatives are substances or medications that facilitate bowel movements by softening the stool, increasing bowel motility, or adding bulk to the stool to simplify passage. Products containing constituents such as psyllium (Metamucil), bisacodyl (Dulcolax), and polyethylene glycol (Miralax) are common over-the-counter laxatives.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is treated with a class of drugs called mu-opioid receptor antagonists (MORAs). They function by inhibiting the effects of opioids on the gastrointestinal tract, thereby alleviating constipation and preserving pain relief.

The market is segmented based on disease type: Opioid-Induced Constipation, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation is the major disease type in the market. Chronic idiopathic constipation is characterized by persistent constipation without an apparent etiology. It is a prevalent form of chronic constipation that can substantially impact a person's quality of life. Various laxatives, prescription medications, dietary modifications, and lifestyle adjustments are available to treat CIC. GC-C agonists and chloride channel-2 activators are more recent CIC-approved medications.

Opioid-induced constipation is a form of constipation that occurs as a side effect of opioid medications commonly prescribed for pain management. Opioids can reduce intestinal motility, resulting in constipation.

Based on prescription type, the market is divided into Prescribed Drugs and over-the-counter Drugs.

Prescribed drugs occupy the largest share of the market. Constipation prescription medicines require a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals with severe or chronic constipation or specific medical conditions requiring professional evaluation and treatment are typically prescribed these medications.

Consumers can purchase over-the-counter medications for constipation without a prescription at pharmacies, drugstores, or retail establishments. OTC options are safe and effective for temporarily alleviating mild to moderate constipation.

By distribution channel, the segment can be further bifurcated into Online pharmacies, drug stores, retail pharmacies, and others.

Drug stores and retail pharmacies led the market growth. Drug stores are tangible retail establishments selling pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and wellness products. Customers can visit these stores to purchase constipation treatment products and other health and personal care items. Retail or community pharmacies are local physical pharmacies frequently located within or near healthcare facilities, clinics, or supermarkets. 

Online pharmacies are internet-based platforms that sell a variety of medications, including those used to treat constipation. Customers can order these products online and receive doorstep delivery. Customers benefit from the convenience and accessibility of online pharmacies.

Recent Developments

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• September 2023- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) unveiled an agreement with Spain-based global biotech leader mAbxience Holdings S.L. to commercialize several biosimilars for oncology, women's health, and respiratory diseases in emerging markets.