Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market is segmented By Type (OTC Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Antibiotics, Other), By Drug Class (Mucosal Protectants, Motility Modifying Drugs, Mucosal Absorbents), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Pharmacy Stores, Other), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Overview

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Size, Market shares, recent trends, competitive intelligence and future market outlook. The introduction of anti-diarrheal drugs for HIV/AIDS is expected to drive growth. Demand from OTC drugs is booming across the Global. Competitive rivalry intensifies with Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and others operating in the market

Anti-diarrheal drugs refer to a class of drugs that are used to treat diarrhea. Diarrhea is a bowel movement (stool) that is loose and watery. It is one of the common, non-serious conditions and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines.

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Summary

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Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Dynamics

The global anti-diarrheal drugs market growth is driven by the high prevalence of diarrhea cases and the high adoption rate for anti-diarrheal drugs. Rising government initiatives for improvement in healthcare facilities is also driving the growth of the market in the forecast period.

The introduction of antidiarrheal drugs for HIV/AIDS is expected to drive growth in the forecast period

The introduction of antidiarrheal drugs for HIV/AIDS such as Fulyzaq (crofelemer) by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is expected to drive the growth of the market shortly. Antidiarrheal help in controlling severe symptoms however are contra-indicated in patients with fever or bloody diarrhea. Various side effects associated with anti-diarrheal drugs include mouth dryness, dizziness and drowsiness.

For instance, Aemcolo, an oral antibacterial rifamycin, was approved by the FDA in November 2018 to treat travellers’ diarrhoea caused by E.coli. Clinical studies have revealed that rifamycin has greater efficiency in reducing the symptoms of diarrhea symptoms compared to placebo.

An increase in the number of people suffering from diarrhea is rising expected to drive the market growth

The number of people suffering from diarrhea is rising, and this is one of the driving factors for the market. According to the WHO, diarrhea kills around 525, 000 children under five years of age every year. As per the CDC, diarrheal diseases account for one in nine child deaths worldwide, making diarrhea the second leading cause of death among children under the age of five years.

In addition, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2019, around 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded, which was a 4% rise from 2018. The prevalence of diarrhea is higher among travellers visiting regions in South Asia and Southeast Asia. The travel destination is the most significant risk factor for diarrhea. Hence, owing to these factors, the market is likely to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

High investment costs in R&D is likely to hinder the market growth

However, severe side effects of drugs that include stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, nausea and a decrease in appetite will restrict the growth of this market. In addition, traditional and home remedies are still popular in emerging countries; this restrains the anti-diarrheal drugs market from growing.

COVID-19 Impact on Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market

Diarrhea commonly occurs in people with COVID-19. The study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined 206 patients with a mild case of COVID-19. They found 48 people had only digestive symptoms and another 69 had both digestive and respiratory symptoms. Of the combined total of 117 people with gastric distress, 19.4 per cent experienced diarrhea as their first symptom. An increasing number of diarrhea cases is reported. These factors will drive the growth of the market.

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Segmentation Analysis

OTC drugs segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2031)  

OTC drugs are medications that are safe and effective for use by the general public without seeking treatment by a health professional. OTC drugs usually work for sudden or short-term diarrhea. It includes pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) and antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin 24H). These drugs are usually located on shelves in pharmacies, grocery stores, and even in gas stations. OTC medicines treat various symptoms due to illness including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, acne, and others.

OTC anti-diarrheal medicine doesn’t usually cause problems. But like other drugs, there’s always a chance of unwanted side effects. Some are mild, while others are more serious. 

The hospital pharmacy is expected to dominate the Anti-Diarrheal drugs market during the forecast period

The hospital pharmacies held the largest share in the global anti-diarrheal drugs market. This is mainly owing to the increasing number of patients suffering from conditions that are treated in hospitals equipped with advanced infrastructure and adequate facilities. Moreover, the growing number of hospitals along with adequate reimbursement policies is also contributing to the growth of this segment.

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Geographical Share

North America region holds the largest market share global anti-diarrheal drugs market

North America region is dominating the global anti-diarrheal drugs market accounted for the largest market share in 2020. The presence of sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and high awareness among end-users such as clinicians and healthcare professionals are estimated to be the key growth drivers. Moreover, high purchasing power for expensive drugs and the presence of favourable reimbursement policies are anticipated to further fuel the regional market during the forecast period. Acute diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported illnesses in the United States. According to the WHO, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death, especially in children less than 5 years of age. Prevention of diarrheal disease can be achieved by drinking safe water coupled with adequate hygiene and sanitation. These factors are driving the market growth in the region.

Anti-Diarrheal Drugs Market Companies and Competitive Landscape

The anti-diarrheal drugs market is moderately competitive with the presence of local as well as global companies. Some of the key players which are contributing to the growth of the market include Actelion, Lupin, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Perrigo, Pfizer, Inc. Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals among others. The major players are adopting several growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, which are contributing to the growth of the anti-diarrheal drugs market globally.   

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited

Overview: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited is a global pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the development of new chemical entities (NCEs) and new biological entities (NBEs). Its segments are India, the United States, Latin America, Europe and the Rest of the World (ROW). It has approximately seven molecules, over two NCEs and approximately five NBEs in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development. It is focused on developing and marketing branded and generic formulations. It focuses on manufacturing products across therapeutic areas of dermatology, respiratory and oncology. Its active pharmaceuticals ingredients (API) business spans over 80 countries, including regulated markets of the United States, Europe, Japan and Canada. Its products are primarily marketed in the United States and Western Europe. It has offices in over 40 countries and operates approximately 20 manufacturing facilities in over five countries. It operates over five research and development (R&D) centres.

Product Portfolio: The Company’s portfolio comprised 164 products including API business, an independent subsidiary called Glenmark Life Sciences, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is focused on the areas of respiratory and dermatology.