PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1820152
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1820152
Cough Syrup Market Report by Product Type (Expectorants, Cough Suppressants/Antitussives, Combination Medications), Age Group (Pediatric, Adult), Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), and Region 2025-2033
The global cough syrup market size reached USD 6.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 8.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65% during 2025-2033. The increasing occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and other respiratory disorders, along with the easy availability of cough syrups in general stores and pharmacies, is primarily driving the market growth.
Global Cough Syrup Market Trends:
Growing Medical Conditions
The rising prevalence of cold, flu, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), and allergies is driving the need for cough syrups. For example, according to an article published by the Economic Times in 2023, around 339 million individuals are affected by asthma globally. Furthermore, the elevating cough cases, owing to the increasing tobacco consumption and unhealthy lifestyles, are also stimulating the market growth. Besides this, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 8 million people die prematurely from tobacco consumption. Among these, 7 million are direct smokers, and 1.7 million are second-hand smokers. Consequently, government and non-government organizations are launching numerous programs and campaigns to generate awareness among the population. For example, in July 2023, the Lung Foundation in Australia launched a chronic cough awareness campaign to raise awareness and support diagnosis in adults and pediatrics. In addition to this, the expanding geriatric population is further contributing to the cough syrup market outlook. For instance, according to the WHO, individuals aged 60 and above were 1 billion in 2020 and are expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050.
Regulatory Environment by Government Bodies
Regulatory authorities across countries are implementing stringent rules to ensure leading companies of cough syrups comply with high medical standards. In line with this, they are generating awareness among healthcare professionals to develop generic drugs, thereby catalyzing the cough syrup market recent opportunities. For instance, in a letter written to all states and union territories, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) asked to ensure that cough syrups produced in India are of global standard quality for which a detailed verification should be undertaken. In line with this, he asked for a joint verification drive on propylene glycol (PG) manufacturers, cough syrup manufacturers, and importers to ensure that the raw material utilized or supplied for the manufacturing of cough syrups is as per the global protocol. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged another cough syrup for the presence of contaminants. The WHO tested a sample from a specific batch of the syrup after it received a report in July 2022 regarding possible contamination. Fourrts Laboratories produced the cough syrup on behalf of another company in India called Dabilife Pharma. These stringent regulations and checks will improve the quality of products, which is expected to propel the cough syrup market revenue in the coming years.
Strategic Alliances
Prominent key players are entering into mergers and acquisitions and are constantly working towards novel product developments that are usually formulated with natural ingredients and herbs with immunity-boosting effects. This, in turn, is driving the market forward. For example, in 2023, GSK plc. signed an acquisition deal with one of the Biotech firms in Canada, Bellus Health, for US$ 2 Billion. This deal was done to strengthen GSK's clinical pipeline portfolio and market position across the globe. The portfolio also included syrups and other formulations, thereby elevating the cough syrup market share. Similarly, in December 2023, the U.S. FDA issued a complete response letter (CRL) about Merck's new drug application (NDA) for gefapixant, one of the drugs to treat refractory chronic cough (RCC) in adults. Key players are further introducing cough syrups with natural ingredients to expand their consumer base, which is cough syrup market recent developments. For instance, Vitae Health Innovation launched VITATUSS, a natural syrup formulated with elderberry, thyme, althaea, mallow, and sea buckthorn extract. In line with this, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced the introduction of a formulation in cough management called Chericof 12. The company said this was the first prescription cough syrup across India that offer relief for up to 12 hours.
Global Cough Syrup Market Segmentation:
Breakup by Product Type:
- Expectorants
- Cough Suppressants/Antitussives
- Combination Medications
Currently, cough suppressants/antitussives account for the majority of the global market share
Symptoms related to cold and cough are usually managed by utilizing over the counter (OTC) medicines. Cough suppressants, or antitussive drugs, are medicines that are adopted to control and relieve a cough. While many antitussives are widely accessible OTC, a few antitussives are only available with a prescription. Antitussives are used in various types of formulations, such as capsules, liquids, tablets, and syrups. For example, Dextromethorphan, one of the most widely utilized cough suppressants in the U.S., was compared with codeine, the traditional antitussive in Europe, in a double-blind, crossover trial using both subjective and objective assessment of efficacy in sixteen patients with chronic cough. Dextromethorphan lowered cough intensity more than codeine and was considered the better antitussive by most patients. This, in turn, represents key factors propelling the cough syrup market growth in the segmentation.
Breakup by Age Group:
- Pediatric
- Adult
Adult currently holds the largest market share
Adults commonly suffer from chronic and acute cough, owing to unhealthy lifestyles and high exposure to tobacco. For example, as per the study published by the European Respiratory Society in 2020, approximately 10% of the adult population suffers from chronic cough, on account of the impaired quality of life. Consequently, the expanding adult population is escalating the cough syrup market demand, thereby stimulating the adoption of cough remedies.
Breakup by Distribution Channel:
- Retail Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Online Pharmacy
Currently, retail pharmacy exhibits a clear dominance in the market
As per the cough syrup market overview, the easy product availability via distribution channels, such as retail pharmacy, owing to its accessibility and convenience, is bolstering the segmentation growth. For example, according to the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA, around 18,068 community pharmacies across Germany cater to medical needs in 2023. In addition to this, the rising number of generic and branded remedy products in retail pharmacy chains, including Walmart Stores Inc. and Walgreens, is further acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. Moreover, the increasing tie-ups of hospitals with these chains are strengthening the cough syrup market recent price.
Breakup by Region:
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Indonesia
- Others
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Others
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Others
- Middle East and Africa
According to the cough syrup market statistics, Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance in the market
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
The regional market is primarily driven by the numerous partnerships among pharmaceutical companies and government organizations, generally to develop novel generic drugs and generate awareness among individuals and healthcare professionals. Moreover, key players are emphasizing on innovative packaging solutions, which is contributing to the growth of the market. Apart from this, the inflating expenditure capacities of individuals across the region and the elevating focus on preventive healthcare are further validating the cough syrup market forecast. According to a report by the FMCG Gurus, more than 55% of people in the Asia Pacific region have been more conscious about boosting their immunity since the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Competitive Landscape:
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
- Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC
- Bayer AG
- GlaxoSmithKline PLC
- Johnson & Johnson
- Pfizer Inc.
- Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
- Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
- Sanofi
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
- The Procter & Gamble Company
Key Questions Answered in This Report
- 1.What was the size of the global cough syrup market in 2024?
- 2.What is the expected growth rate of the global cough syrup market during 2025-2033?
- 3.What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global cough syrup market?
- 4.What are the key factors driving the global cough syrup market?
- 5.What is the breakup of the global cough syrup market based on the product type?
- 6.What is the breakup of the global cough syrup market based on the age group?
- 7.What is the breakup of the global cough syrup market based on the distribution channel?
- 8.What are the key regions in the global cough syrup market?
- 9.Who are the key players/companies in the global cough syrup market?
Table of Contents
1 Preface
2 Scope and Methodology
- 2.1 Objectives of the Study
- 2.2 Stakeholders
- 2.3 Data Sources
- 2.3.1 Primary Sources
- 2.3.2 Secondary Sources
- 2.4 Market Estimation
- 2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
- 2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
- 2.5 Forecasting Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
- 4.1 Overview
- 4.2 Key Industry Trends
5 Global Cough Syrup Market
- 5.1 Market Overview
- 5.2 Market Performance
- 5.3 Impact of COVID-19
- 5.4 Market Forecast
6 Market Breakup by Product Type
- 6.1 Expectorants
- 6.1.1 Market Trends
- 6.1.2 Market Forecast
- 6.2 Cough Suppressants/Antitussives
- 6.2.1 Market Trends
- 6.2.2 Market Forecast
- 6.3 Combination Medications
- 6.3.1 Market Trends
- 6.3.2 Market Forecast
7 Market Breakup by Age Group
- 7.1 Pediatric
- 7.1.1 Market Trends
- 7.1.2 Market Forecast
- 7.2 Adult
- 7.2.1 Market Trends
- 7.2.2 Market Forecast
8 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
- 8.1 Retail Pharmacy
- 8.1.1 Market Trends
- 8.1.2 Market Forecast
- 8.2 Hospital Pharmacy
- 8.2.1 Market Trends
- 8.2.2 Market Forecast
- 8.3 Online Pharmacy
- 8.3.1 Market Trends
- 8.3.2 Market Forecast
9 Market Breakup by Region
- 9.1 North America
- 9.1.1 United States
- 9.1.1.1 Market Trends
- 9.1.1.2 Market Forecast
- 9.1.2 Canada
- 9.1.2.1 Market Trends
- 9.1.2.2 Market Forecast
- 9.1.1 United States
- 9.2 Asia-Pacific
- 9.2.1 China
- 9.2.1.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.1.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.2 Japan
- 9.2.2.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.2.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.3 India
- 9.2.3.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.3.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.4 South Korea
- 9.2.4.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.4.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.5 Australia
- 9.2.5.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.5.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.6 Indonesia
- 9.2.6.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.6.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.7 Others
- 9.2.7.1 Market Trends
- 9.2.7.2 Market Forecast
- 9.2.1 China
- 9.3 Europe
- 9.3.1 Germany
- 9.3.1.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.1.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.2 France
- 9.3.2.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.2.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.3 United Kingdom
- 9.3.3.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.3.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.4 Italy
- 9.3.4.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.4.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.5 Spain
- 9.3.5.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.5.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.6 Russia
- 9.3.6.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.6.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.7 Others
- 9.3.7.1 Market Trends
- 9.3.7.2 Market Forecast
- 9.3.1 Germany
- 9.4 Latin America
- 9.4.1 Brazil
- 9.4.1.1 Market Trends
- 9.4.1.2 Market Forecast
- 9.4.2 Mexico
- 9.4.2.1 Market Trends
- 9.4.2.2 Market Forecast
- 9.4.3 Others
- 9.4.3.1 Market Trends
- 9.4.3.2 Market Forecast
- 9.4.1 Brazil
- 9.5 Middle East and Africa
- 9.5.1 Market Trends
- 9.5.2 Market Breakup by Country
- 9.5.3 Market Forecast
10 SWOT Analysis
- 10.1 Overview
- 10.2 Strengths
- 10.3 Weaknesses
- 10.4 Opportunities
- 10.5 Threats
11 Value Chain Analysis
12 Porters Five Forces Analysis
- 12.1 Overview
- 12.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 12.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 12.4 Degree of Competition
- 12.5 Threat of New Entrants
- 12.6 Threat of Substitutes
13 Price Analysis
14 Competitive Landscape
- 14.1 Market Structure
- 14.2 Key Players
- 14.3 Profiles of Key Players
- 14.3.1 Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC
- 14.3.1.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.2 Bayer AG
- 14.3.2.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.2.3 Financials
- 14.3.3 GlaxoSmithKline PLC
- 14.3.3.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.3.3 Financials
- 14.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.4 Johnson & Johnson
- 14.3.4.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.4.3 Financials
- 14.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.5 Pfizer Inc.
- 14.3.5.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.5.3 Financials
- 14.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.6 Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
- 14.3.6.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.6.3 Financials
- 14.3.6.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.7 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
- 14.3.7.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.7.3 Financials
- 14.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.8 Sanofi
- 14.3.8.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.8.3 Financials
- 14.3.8.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.9 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
- 14.3.9.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.9.3 Financials
- 14.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.10 The Procter & Gamble Company
- 14.3.10.1 Company Overview
- 14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio
- 14.3.10.3 Financials
- 14.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis
- 14.3.1 Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Major Drivers and Challenges
- Figure 2: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2019-2024
- Figure 3: Global: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 4: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Breakup by Product Type (in %), 2024
- Figure 5: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Breakup by Age Group (in %), 2024
- Figure 6: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in %), 2024
- Figure 7: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Breakup by Region (in %), 2024
- Figure 8: Global: Cough Syrup (Expectorants) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 9: Global: Cough Syrup (Expectorants) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 10: Global: Cough Syrup (Cough Suppressants/Antitussives) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 11: Global: Cough Syrup (Cough Suppressants/Antitussives) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 12: Global: Cough Syrup (Combination Medications) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 13: Global: Cough Syrup (Combination Medications) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 14: Global: Cough Syrup (Pediatric) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 15: Global: Cough Syrup (Pediatric) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 16: Global: Cough Syrup (Adult) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 17: Global: Cough Syrup (Adult) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 18: Global: Cough Syrup (Retail Pharmacy) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 19: Global: Cough Syrup (Retail Pharmacy) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 20: Global: Cough Syrup (Hospital Pharmacy) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 21: Global: Cough Syrup (Hospital Pharmacy) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 22: Global: Cough Syrup (Online Pharmacy) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 23: Global: Cough Syrup (Online Pharmacy) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 24: North America: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 25: North America: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 26: United States: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 27: United States: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 28: Canada: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 29: Canada: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 30: Asia-Pacific: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 31: Asia-Pacific: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 32: China: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 33: China: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 34: Japan: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 35: Japan: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 36: India: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 37: India: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 38: South Korea: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 39: South Korea: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 40: Australia: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 41: Australia: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 42: Indonesia: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 43: Indonesia: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 44: Others: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 45: Others: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 46: Europe: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 47: Europe: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 48: Germany: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 49: Germany: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 50: France: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 51: France: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 52: United Kingdom: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 53: United Kingdom: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 54: Italy: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 55: Italy: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 56: Spain: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 57: Spain: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 58: Russia: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 59: Russia: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 60: Others: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 61: Others: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 62: Latin America: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 63: Latin America: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 64: Brazil: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 65: Brazil: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 66: Mexico: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 67: Mexico: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 68: Others: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 69: Others: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 70: Middle East and Africa: Cough Syrup Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
- Figure 71: Middle East and Africa: Cough Syrup Market: Breakup by Country (in %), 2024
- Figure 72: Middle East and Africa: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Figure 73: Global: Cough Syrup Industry: SWOT Analysis
- Figure 74: Global: Cough Syrup Industry: Value Chain Analysis
- Figure 75: Global: Cough Syrup Industry: Porter's Five Forces Analysis
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2024 and 2033
- Table 2: Global: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Breakup by Product Type (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 3: Global: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Breakup by Age Group (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 4: Global: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Breakup by Distribution Channel (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 5: Global: Cough Syrup Market Forecast: Breakup by Region (in Million USD), 2025-2033
- Table 6: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Competitive Structure
- Table 7: Global: Cough Syrup Market: Key Players
