Market Size of Expectorant Drugs Industry
| Study Period | 2019-2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 100 Million |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 120 Million |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.50 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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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.
