Expectorant Drugs Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Expectorant Drugs Market Analysis

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 Industry Segmentation

As per the scope of the report, expectorant drugs are medications that help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract. They work by stimulating the production of fluids in the airways, which helps to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Expectorants are often used to treat coughs and congestion associated with colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.

The expectorant drugs market is segmented by product, dosage form, distribution channel, and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). By product, the market is segmented into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs. By dosage form, the market is segmented into inhalant, oral solid, and oral liquid. By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail stores, drug stores, and online pharmacies. The report also covers the market size and forecasts for the wooden decking market in 11 countries across major regions.

For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on revenue (USD).