The Cough Suppressant Drugs Market Is On Rise Due To the Increasing Prevalence of Respiratory Disorders
A cough is a very common symptom of various upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Cough suppressant drugs, or antitussives, are used to relieve the symptoms of cough. Cough suppressant drugs exerts their effect by inhibiting cough centers located in the brain stem, disrupting the cough reflex arc; although the exact mechanism of action is unknown. Codeine and Dextromethorphan are the two most common cough suppressants that are widely used to treat cough or symptoms of cough. Growth of the cough suppressant drugs market is mainly driven by the increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 65 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and around three million die from it each year, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide. Coughs can be either acute or chronic. Acute coughs begin suddenly and usually last no more than two to three weeks, while chronic coughs last longer than two to three weeks. Causes of chronic cough include chronic bronchitis smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease, COPD, allergies, asthma, throat disorders, etc. Thus, with the increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders, the demand for cough suppressant drugs is also increasing with a rapid pace.
For instance, in October 2020, GSK Consumer Healthcare launched Robitussin Naturals, the company’s first-ever line of drug-free products that provide relief from occasional cough. Robitussin Naturals Cough Relief Syrups and Gummies are available now at drugstores nationwide in varieties for both adults and children. Moreover, in June 2020, Aurobindo Pharma (Aurobindo) received three approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including for its generic versions of guaifenesin, fluoxetine, and methotrexate. Guaifenesin is a cough medicine used for more than 60 years which may be combined with a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan.
Approvals and launch of such new cough suppressants in the market is expected to propel growth of the cough suppressant drugs market. Furthermore, the emergence of COVID-19 is expected to drive the cough suppressant drugs market growth. Coughing is a tremendously effective way to transmit SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. According to WHO, worldwide, as of 26 April 2021, there have been 146,841,882 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 3,104,743 deaths. Furthermore, the cough suppressant drugs market, North America, is witnessing robust growth due to frequent approvals of new cough suppressant drugs by FDA (the Food and Drug Administration).
In March 2018, Perrigo announced that the company has received final approval from the U.S. FDA for the store brand OTC equivalent of Mucinex DM Maximum Strength (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide extended-release tablets, 1200 mg/60 mg).
