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Cough Syrup Market Research Report Information By Product (Expectorants, Cough Suppressants, Antihistamines, and Combination Medications), By Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, ad Online Pharmacy), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2032


ID: MRFR/HC/6745-CR | 123 Pages | Author: Kinjoll Dey| August 2019

Global Cough Syrup Market Overview


Cough Syrup Market Size valued at USD 4.9 Billion in 2022. The Cough Syrup market industry is projected to grow from USD 5.0 Billion in 2023 to USD 6.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032).Increased respiratory diseases and concerns related to self-care, and rising air pollution are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.


Cough Syrup Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Cough Syrup Market Trends



  • Growing respiratory diseases is driving the market growth


Market CAGR for cough syrup is being driven by rising respiratory diseases. The growing number of respiratory diseases have increased the growth of the cough syrup market. The rising geriatric population and enormous air pollution keep boosting market growth. Chronic respiratory diseases like the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma mainly lead to major variations in morbidity and mortality throughout the different regions. The development and innovations of new and natural cough syrups for kids are being done.


The cough syrups are advised by the doctors or available over-the-counter for patients suffering from sneezing, runny nose, common cold, and other respiratory allergies. The cough syrup ingredients have properties of pro-viral, and according to scientists, they should not be consumed by people infected by the virus. The cough syrups include antihistamines and non-opioids that work on the center of coughs in the brain and stop the histamines that are released naturally, which causes allergies. The cough syrups assist in relieving dry and wet coughs with runny and thick mucus. The growth in geriatric population and the sedentary lifestyles of the population are causing the rise in bad habits like smoking addiction which can lead to respiratory, lung disease, and throat, thus boosting the market. In order to develop cough syrups that are safe for kids and have lesser side effects with ingredients that are natural, advancements and innovations are also being made. The manufacturers are innovating variants fortified with natural herbs and ingredients that have immunity-boosting properties. The increasing expenditure abilities of the consumers and significant growth in the industry of pharmaceutical is expected to boost the market.


The increasing levels of air pollution levels lead to more respiratory diseases, which are the main concern of the governments of different nations, thus boosting the market growth. As per the United Nations Environmental Program report, there are around 7 million premature deaths happening across the world because of air pollution, and almost 99% of the population in the world lives in areas where the air pollution guidelines produced by WHO are not met. Thus, driving the Cough Syrup market revenue.


Cough Syrup Market Segment Insights


Cough Syrup Type Insights


The Cough Syrup market segmentation, based on type, includes Expectorants, Cough Suppressants, Antihistamines, and Combination Medications. The cough suppressants segment dominates the market, accounting for the largest market revenue due to the wide range of awareness and applications for cough syrups as a medication for cough. Cough syrups are predominantly considered for wet and dry coughs, though all of its other benefits are secondary and not known well. It is also the most commonly available dextromethorphan at pharmacies or stores.


Cough Syrup Distribution Channel Insights


 The Cough Syrup market segmentation, based on distribution channels, includes Retail Pharmacies, Hospital Pharmacies, ad Online Pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment dominates the market due to the fact that the common cold and flu or cough are very basic problems, and often people do not choose to go to the doctor when it's not very severe and prolonged. Over-the-counter cough syrups are taken by most of the population which do not require prescriptions. Hence a lot of revenue is made by the retail stores from this market. Furthermore, with the growing awareness among the population, it is anticipated that the online pharmacy segment is going to witness healthy growth.


Figure 1: Cough Syrup Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion) 


Cough Syrup Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Cough Syrup Regional Insights


By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Cough Syrup market dominates the market due to the presence of different significant key market players. The growing cases of respiratory diseases with the availability of treatment for chronic diseases are some of the reasons that are fueling the cough syrup industry's growth in the North American region.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: Cough Syrup MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)


Cough Syrup Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Cough Syrup market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the availability of different giant market players and the growth of pharmaceutical industries in this region. Further, the German Cough Syrup market held the largest market share, and the UK Cough Syrup market was the rapid-growing market in the European region.


The Asia-Pacific Cough Syrup Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is with the increase in the elderly population, the high prevalence of respiratory disorders, and the prevalence of asthma diseases due to air pollution. Moreover, China’s Cough Syrup market held the largest market share, and the Indian Cough Syrup market was the rapid-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Cough Syrup Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to spread their product lines, which will help the Cough Syrup market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Cough Syrup industry must offer cost-effective items.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the Cough Syrup industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Cough Syrup industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Cough Syrup market, including Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc, Zarbee's Natural, Merck & Co. Inc, Pfizer Inc., Procter and Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Abbott Laboratories, Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sanofi, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


Pfizer Inc., established in 1849, headquartered at The Spiral in Manhattan, New York City, is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation. The company develops and manufactures medicines and vaccines for oncology, immunology, cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology. The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and Palbociclib are the company's largest products by sale. 42% of the company's revenues came from the United States, 8% from Japan, and 50% from other countries, in the year 2022. In December 2016, Pfizer Inc. launched different products to expand its product line under the sub-brand name Corex. Initially launched in 2016, but later, the launch was done in 2017. The state and center regulators have duly proved all the product formulations.


Merck & Co. Inc., headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, is an American multinational pharmaceutical company. It's one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. They develop and manufacture vaccines, medicine, biological therapies, and animal health products. It has various blockbuster drugs or products, including cancer immunotherapy, vaccines against HPV and chicken pox, and anti-diabetic medication. In February 2019, the research and development facility was expanded by Merck in Billerica, Massachusetts. They invested USD 70 million to develop a robust clinical pipeline, which highlights the requirement to always be up and about in terms of product development and innovation.


Key Companies in the Cough Syrup market include



  • Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc

  • Zarbee’s Natural

  • Merck & Co. Inc

  • Pfizer Inc.

  • Procter and Gamble

  • Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

  • Abott Laboratories

  • Novartis AG

  • GlaxoSmithKline PLC

  • Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC

  • Sanofi


Cough Syrup Industry Developments


March 2022:KaraMD announced Pure Health Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, a vegan gummy aimed to aid ketosis, digestion regulation, weight management, and encourage greater levels of energy.


January 2022:Solace Nutrition, a US-based medical nutrition company, bought R-Kane Nutritionals' assets for an unknown sum. This asset acquisition enables Solace Nutrition to develop synergy between both brands, accelerate growth, and establish a position in an adjacent nutrition sector. R-Kane Nutritionals is a firm established in the United States that specializes in high-protein meal replacement products for weight loss.


February 2021: Johnson and Johnson acquired Zarbee's Naturals; this acquisition helped with demand for natural cough syrups for kids, which also helped Johnson and Johnson to diversify its portfolio.


Cough Syrup Market Segmentation


Cough Syrup Type Outlook



  • Expectorants

  • Cough Suppressants

  • Antihistamines

  • Combination Medications


Cough Syrup Distribution Channel Outlook



  • Retail Pharmacy

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Online Pharmacy


Cough Syrup Regional Outlook




  • North America

    • US

    • Canada




  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe




  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific




  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size 2022 USD 4.9 Billion
Market Size 2023 USD 5.07 Billion
Market Size 2032 USD 6.7 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.60% (2023-2032)
Base Year 2022
Market Forecast Period 2023-2032
Historical Data 2018- 2022
Market Forecast Units Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered Type, Distribution Channels, and Region
Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World
Countries Covered The US, Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Key Companies Profiled Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc, Zarbee's Natural, Merck & Co. Inc, Pfizer Inc., Procter and Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Abbott Laboratories, Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sanofi  
Key Market Opportunities Increased the demand for cough syrups and rising geriatric populations.
Key Market Dynamics Increase in the cases of diseases related to respiratory and rising air pollution.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The Cough Syrup market size was valued at USD 4.9 Billion in 2022.

The market is foreseen to grow at a CAGR of 3.60% during the forecast period, 2023-2032.

North America had largest share of the market

The key players in market are Johnson and Johnson Services, Inc, Zarbee's Natural, Merck & Co. Inc, Pfizer Inc., Procter and Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Abbott Laboratories, Novartis AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sanofi.

The cough suppressants category dominated the market in 2022.

The retail pharmaceutical had the largest share of the market.

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