You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: February 7, 2025

Drug Price Trends for QC STOOL SOFTENER


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Drug Price Trends for QC STOOL SOFTENER

Average Pharmacy Cost for QC STOOL SOFTENER

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey
Drug Name NDC Price/Unit ($) Unit Date
QC STOOL SOFTENER-LAXATIVE TAB 83324-0135-60 0.02860 EACH 2025-01-29
QC STOOL SOFTENER-STIM LAX TAB 83324-0136-01 0.02860 EACH 2025-01-29
>Drug Name >NDC >Price/Unit ($) >Unit >Date

Stool Softener Market Analysis and Price Projections

Market Overview

The stool softener market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. As of 2023, the global stool softener market size was valued at $1.58 billion and is projected to grow to $1.69 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%[1][4][5].

Market Drivers

Several factors are driving the growth of the stool softener market:

Aging Population

The increasing geriatric population is a significant driver, as older adults are more prone to constipation and other gastrointestinal issues[5].

Dietary Changes and Sedentary Lifestyle

Changes in diet and the adoption of sedentary lifestyles have contributed to the rising incidence of constipation, thereby increasing the demand for stool softeners[5].

Increased Public Awareness

Greater public awareness about digestive health and the importance of maintaining regular bowel movements has also boosted the market[1].

Gastrointestinal Disorders

The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis is another key driver. For instance, the number of people in Canada with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is expected to increase from 322,600 in 2023 to 470,000 by 2035[4].

Opioid-Induced Constipation

The use of opioids, which can cause constipation, is also a significant factor. It is estimated that 40% to 80% of individuals consuming opioid drugs suffer from opioid-induced constipation[5].

Market Segmentation

The stool softener market is segmented in several ways:

By Type

The market is segmented into liquid, softgel capsules, and other forms. Softgel capsules are popular due to their ease of use and effectiveness[1].

By Form

The market includes medicines and procedures. Medicines are the dominant segment, with oral medications such as osmotic laxatives being widely used[3].

By Mode of Administration

Stool softeners are administered orally or rectally. Oral administration is the most common method due to its convenience and effectiveness[1].

By Availability

Stool softeners are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. The shift of many stool softeners from prescription-only to OTC status has expanded their accessibility and contributed to market growth[1].

By End Use

The market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, home care, and other end uses. The home care segment accounted for a significant revenue share in 2021, driven by patients' preference for treating constipation at home using OTC medications[5].

Regional Analysis

North America

North America was the largest region in the stool softener market in 2023. The region is expected to continue growing, driven by the increasing prevalence of constipation in the pediatric population and the development of new medicinal stool softeners[5].

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of constipation and growing awareness of digestive health in this region[1][3].

Innovations and Trends

Improvements in Medical Diagnostics and Treatments

Advancements in medical diagnostics and treatments are expected to drive the market. New and more effective stool softener formulations, such as lubiprostone, linaclotide, and plecanatide, are being developed and approved[1].

Personalized Stool Softener Products

The development of personalized stool softener products is a growing trend, catering to individual patient needs and preferences[1].

Effervescent Stool Softener Tablets

Innovations in formulation technology, including the development of effervescent stool softener tablets, are also contributing to market growth[1].

Price Projections

Given the strong growth drivers, the stool softener market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Here are some key price projections:

  • 2023-2024: The market size is expected to grow from $1.58 billion to $1.69 billion at a CAGR of 7.4%[1][4][5].
  • 2024-2028: The market is projected to grow to $2.26 billion at a CAGR of 7.5%[1][4].
  • Long-term Forecast: By 2030, the market is expected to continue growing, driven by the factors mentioned above, with a projected CAGR of around 7.15%[5].

Competitive Landscape

The stool softener market is fairly fragmented, with several large and medium-sized companies. Key players include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Mylan N.V., Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Sanofi, and Pfizer Inc.[3][5].

Product Example: QC Stool Softener

QC Stool Softener plus Laxative Tablets

The QC Stool Softener plus Laxative Tablets, comparable to the active ingredients in Colace 2-in-1, offer overnight relief from occasional constipation. These tablets are effective, reliable, and comfortable, producing a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours. They are low in sodium and designed for ease of use[2].

Key Takeaways

  • The stool softener market is growing rapidly due to an aging population, dietary changes, increased public awareness of digestive health, and the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders.
  • The market is segmented by type, form, mode of administration, availability, and end use.
  • North America is currently the largest market, but the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing.
  • Innovations in medical diagnostics, personalized products, and new formulations are driving market growth.
  • The market is projected to reach $2.26 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 7.5%.

FAQs

1. What are the primary drivers of the stool softener market? The primary drivers include an aging population, dietary changes, increased public awareness of digestive health, and the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders.

2. Which region is expected to be the fastest-growing in the stool softener market? The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing due to the increasing prevalence of constipation and growing awareness of digestive health.

3. What are some of the new trends in the stool softener market? New trends include improvements in medical diagnostics and treatments, the development of personalized stool softener products, and innovations in formulation technology such as effervescent stool softener tablets.

4. Which companies are key players in the stool softener market? Key players include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Mylan N.V., Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Sanofi, and Pfizer Inc.

5. What is the projected market size of the stool softener market by 2028? The market is projected to grow to $2.26 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 7.5%.

Sources

  1. The Business Research Company: Stool Softener Global Market Report 2024
  2. Quality Choice: Stool Softener plus Laxative Tablets, 100 ct, QC99716
  3. Global Market Estimates: Constipation Laxative Market Analysis | Size & Forecasts
  4. OpenPR: Stool Softener Market Trends, Outlook, Demand, and Insights
  5. Emergen Research: Stool Softener Industry Trend, Forecast [2021-2030] | Market

More… ↓

⤷  Free Trial

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.