Expectorant Drugs Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 104.5 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 130.23 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.50% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Expectorant Drugs Market Analysis
The Expectorant Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 104.5 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 130.23 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
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.
Expectorant Drugs Market Leaders
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Merck KGaA
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Perrigo company plc
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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
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Johnson & Johnson Private Limited
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Sanofi
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Expectorant Drugs Market News
- October 2023: Marksans Pharma received FDA approval for Guaifenesin extended-release tablets for the treatment of cough and chest congestion in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
- August 2022: Granules India Limited received approval to sell its new over-the-counter medication, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride extended to release tablets in 600 mg/60 mg and 1200 mg/120 mg (OTC). This medicine helps to loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
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).
| By Product | Over-the-Counter (OTC) | ||
| Prescription Drug | |||
| By Dosage Form | Inhalant | ||
| Oral Solid | |||
| Oral Liquid | |||
| Distribution Channel | Hospital Pharmacies | ||
| Retail Stores | |||
| Drug Store | |||
| Online Pharmacies | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Europe | Germany | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| France | |||
| Italy | |||
| Spain | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Middle East and Africa | GCC | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) |
| Prescription Drug |
| Inhalant |
| Oral Solid |
| Oral Liquid |
| Hospital Pharmacies |
| Retail Stores |
| Drug Store |
| Online Pharmacies |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | |
| India | |
| Australia | |
| South Korea | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America |
Expectorant Drugs Market Research FAQs
How big is the Expectorant Drugs Market?
The Expectorant Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 104.5 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.5% to reach USD 130.23 million by 2030.
What is the current Expectorant Drugs Market size?
In 2025, the Expectorant Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 104.5 million.
Who are the key players in Expectorant Drugs Market?
Merck KGaA, Perrigo company plc, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Private Limited and Sanofi are the major companies operating in the Expectorant Drugs Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Expectorant Drugs Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Expectorant Drugs Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Expectorant Drugs Market.
What years does this Expectorant Drugs Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Expectorant Drugs Market size was estimated at USD 99.80 million. The report covers the Expectorant Drugs Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Expectorant Drugs Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Expectorant Drugs Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Expectorant Drugs market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Expectorant Drugs analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
