Antacid Medications Market Overview

Antacids are used to treat acid reflux that causes heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset. They provide quick relief from heartburn, which is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease and indigestion. Treatment with antacids is symptomatic and is usually recommended for minor symptoms. Antacids include magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium trisilicate. Some people have reported allergic reactions to antacids. Antacids with magnesium may cause diarrhea, while those containing calcium and aluminum may cause constipation. Long-term use may cause kidney stones and may increase the risk of contracting osteoporosis. Popular antacid brands include Alka seltzer, Gelusil, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Gaviscon, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums.

Distribution channel of Antacids

Antacids are mainly sold through two distribution channels, namely chemists and non-chemist. Non-chemists comprise grocers, general stores, and food stores. Abbott’s Digene and Pfizer’s Gelusil have a doctor heritage. Eno and Pudin Hara have an ayurvedic base and are available over the counter and are aiding in growth of the antacid medications market. Over-the-counter availability of antacids have enabled individuals to self-medicate their bouts of acid reflux, which can increase probability of suffering from stroke in the future. Antacids are available in different forms such as water dissolving tablet, powder form, and melt-in-mouth granules.

Antacid medications market taxonomy – Formulation, Drug and Demographic

Antacid medications market is classified by various ways such as by formulation, drug and Demographic. On the basis of formulation, the antacid medications market is classified as tablets, capsules, suspensions, and drops. On the basis of demographic, antacid medications market is classified as products for pediatrics and products for adults. On the basis of drug, antacid medications market is classified as histamine-2 (H2) blockers, proton pump inhibitor, and pro-motility agents. Examples of H2 blocker include Nizatidine, Ranitidine, Cimetidine, and famotidine. Proton pump inhibitors used for acid reflux include Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, and Omeprazole. Pro-motility agents stimulate the muscles of gastrointestinal tract and strengthen lower esophageal sphincter, and reduce reflux into esophagus. Metoclopramide is used to treat heartburn associated with GERD.

Increasing incidence of acid reflux in North America fueling growth of the antacid medications market

Increasing trend of self-medication consequently fuels demand for OTC digestive products for treatment of gastrointestinal distress. Antacids are used to neutralize acidity and thus, are expected to lead to rampant increase in demand for the same in North America due to rising incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the region. According to a study conducted by American Gastroenterological Association and published in International Foundation for Functional in February 2016, approximately one-third of the population in U.S. suffers from GERD. According to a study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in June 2014, the range of GERD prevalence was 18.1%–27.8% in North America, 8.7%–33.1% in the Middle East, 8.8%–25.9% in Europe, 2.5%–7.8% in East Asia, and 11.6% in Australia. Increasing prevalence of GERD creates a favorable environment growth of the antacid medications market.

Increasing self-medication trend driving antacid medications market growth

Increasing inclination of the populace towards self-medication supplemented by growing availability of over-the-counter products in convenient to use sachets is a prevalent trend observed in the market. This trend is expected to continue over the forecast period, in turn fueling market growth.

Global players operating in the antacid medications market

Various companies manufacture antacids and other products for indigestion. Some of these are GlaxoSmithKline plc, Dabur India Limited, Abbott Laboratories, and Pfizer, Inc. Sun Pharma launched an ayurvedic digestive remedy called Pepmelt to compete with popular antacids such as Eno (GSK consumer healthcare), Digene (Abbott India), Pudin Hara (Dabur), and Gelusil (Pfizer). According to 2014 estimates of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

Key Developments