Global Constipation Treatment Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Constipation Treatment Market Analysis

The Global Constipation Treatment Market size is estimated at USD 12.38 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 16.90 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.42% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The major factor attributing to the growth of the market is the increasing number of geriatric patients and changing dietary habits, the high prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), opioid-induced constipation (OIC), and chronic constipation, and the development of the latest drugs and treatment procedures.

These patients use analgesics, such as morphine, hydromorphone, and codeine, as a prescription for chronic non-cancer pain, which has severe adverse effects on the digestive system, resulting in a huge demand for constipation drugs. For instance, as per a cohort study published by the American College of Gastroenterology in November 2023, the prevalence of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is common at 6.0%, while opioid-induced constipation (OIC) was 1.7% in the United States. Moreover, individuals with OIC reported a higher burden of illness concerning symptom severity and prescription constipation medication use. Thus, the huge volume of patient pools with opioid users demands efficient medication for opioid-induced constipation (OIC) ailments, which is likely to fuel the constipation treatment market during the forecast period.

The geriatric population is expected to have a significant impact on the market as people aged above 65 are more prone to chronic diseases. Geriatric people are more prone than younger adults to experience constipation-related issues. A poor diet causes this, as does a lack of sufficient fluids, a lack of exercise, the use of specific medications to treat other medical disorders, and unfavorable bowel habits, which are a few causes of this inclination. In 2022, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) reported 771 million people aged 65 or over. This number is projected to increase to 994 million by 2030 and 1.6 billion by 2050. Thus, the growing geriatric population is expected to boost the target market growth over the forecast period due to the increased adoption of constipation treatments.

Furthermore, the rising initiatives from the key market players, such as the launch of innovative products, are anticipated to drive market growth. For instance, in May 2022, EA Pharma and Mochida Pharmaceutical launched MOVICOL HD, a chronic constipation treatment in Japan. MOVICAL enhances water retention in the digestive system. It also increases stool moisture, softens stool volume, physiologically activates colonic peristalsis, and encourages defecation. Therefore, the launch of products increases the availability of new products in the market, thereby contributing to market growth.

However, increasing dependence on the majority of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and lack of awareness and reluctance among patients due to adverse effects of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) drugs are expected to hamper the target market during the forecast period.

Constipation Treatment Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, constipation is a common medical condition that affects an individual's normal life, and prolonged constipation could be a symptom of more severe diseases and disorders. It is estimated to affect every individual once in a lifetime. Constipation may be occasional, lasting for a few weeks, or chronic, lasting longer and recurrent. Therefore, it may be associated with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or opioid consumption.

The constipation treatment market is segmented by therapeutics, disease type, distribution channel, and geography. By therapeutics, the market is segmented into laxatives, chloride channel activators, peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists, GC-C agonists, and other therapeutics. By disease type, the market is segmented into chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospitals, pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (USD) for the above segments.