Global Opioid Induced Constipation Treatment Market Set to Reach USD 5.2 Billion by 2036, Driven by Rising Opioid Use and Targeted Therapies

The global opioid induced constipation (OIC) treatment market is witnessing steady and sustained growth as healthcare systems worldwide place increasing emphasis on comprehensive pain management and supportive care. Valued at US$ 2.9 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach US$ 5.2 billion by 2036, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2026 to 2036. Growth is primarily fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions, increasing opioid prescriptions for post-surgical and cancer-related pain, a rapidly aging population, and heightened awareness among clinicians regarding opioid-induced gastrointestinal complications.

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Market Overview

Opioid-induced constipation is one of the most common and persistent side effects of opioid therapy, significantly impacting patient comfort, quality of life, and medication adherence. While opioids remain indispensable in managing moderate to severe pain, their interaction with gastrointestinal μ-opioid receptors reduces bowel motility and fluid secretion, leading to constipation that often does not respond adequately to conventional laxatives.

The OIC treatment market encompasses pharmacological and supportive therapies designed to counteract these effects without compromising analgesia. Over the past decade, treatment approaches have evolved from traditional laxatives toward more targeted therapies such as peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs), which directly address the root cause of OIC. This shift has transformed the competitive landscape and strengthened the clinical relevance of OIC-specific treatments across hospital, outpatient, and palliative care settings.

Market Size and Key Highlights

• The opioid induced constipation treatment market reached US$ 2.9 billion in 2025.
• Market value is forecast to climb to US$ 5.2 billion by 2036.
• The industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% (2026-2036).
• North America dominated the market in 2025 with a 43.7% revenue share.
• By therapy type, PAMORAs accounted for 65.4% of the market in 2025.
• Leading companies include AstraZeneca, DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and other global players.

Key Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Pain
The increasing incidence of chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic disorders, lower back pain, and cancer is a major driver of opioid use globally. Patients with chronic pain often require long-term opioid therapy, making them particularly vulnerable to opioid-induced constipation. As healthcare providers focus on holistic pain management, demand for effective OIC treatments that do not interfere with analgesic efficacy continues to rise.

Increasing Use of Opioids for Pain Management
Opioids remain a cornerstone therapy for moderate to severe pain associated with surgery, cancer, trauma, and advanced chronic illnesses. Despite growing awareness of opioid-related risks, their widespread use persists due to limited alternatives for certain pain conditions. This sustained reliance on opioids has directly increased the prevalence of OIC, driving demand for specialized treatments such as PAMORAs and novel oral agents that provide gastrointestinal relief while preserving pain control.

Growing Awareness and Early Diagnosis
Improved awareness among prescribers and patients regarding opioid side effects has led to earlier diagnosis and intervention for OIC. Educational initiatives, patient support programs, and improved diagnostics have played a crucial role in expanding the treated patient population, thereby supporting market growth.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

Despite strong growth prospects, the OIC treatment market faces several challenges. These include high costs of branded therapies, limited access in low- and middle-income regions, and underdiagnosis of OIC in certain clinical settings. Additionally, patient reluctance to report gastrointestinal symptoms and variability in reimbursement policies can restrict market penetration.

However, these challenges also present opportunities. The increasing availability of generic PAMORAs, value-based pricing models, digital adherence tools, and expanded reimbursement coverage are expected to improve accessibility. Moreover, ongoing research into biomarker-driven therapy selection and real-world evidence generation offers opportunities to optimize treatment outcomes and demonstrate long-term value to payers.

Analysis of Key Players and Competitive Landscape

The global opioid induced constipation treatment market is moderately competitive, with both multinational pharmaceutical companies and specialized gastrointestinal drug developers actively shaping the landscape. Key players include Salix Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Mallinckrodt, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Ironwood, Nektar Therapeutics, and Cigna Healthcare.

Key Player Strategies

• Research & Development: Companies are increasing R&D investments to develop next-generation PAMORAs, improve formulations, and explore combination therapies.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations and licensing agreements are being used to accelerate pipeline development and expand geographic reach.

• Lifecycle Management: Market leaders are focusing on new indications, dosage forms, and patient-friendly delivery routes to extend product lifecycles.

• Patient Support Programs: Enhanced patient education, adherence monitoring, and digital health tools are being deployed to improve treatment outcomes.

• Regulatory Expansion: Ongoing regulatory submissions in emerging markets are helping players strengthen their global footprint.

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Recent Developments

In May 2025, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced the approval of its New Drug Application for naldemedine tosilfate in China for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. Naldemedine, a peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonist, represents a significant step in expanding access to targeted OIC therapies in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores the growing regulatory momentum in this therapeutic area.

Market Segmentation Overview

By Therapy Type
• Peripherally Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists (PAMORAs)
• Chloride Channel Activators
• Traditional Laxatives
• Others (Prokinetics, etc.)

By Drug Type
• Branded Drugs
• Generic Drugs

By Prescription Type
• Prescription
• Over-the-Counter

By Route of Administration
• Oral
• Subcutaneous
• Others (Rectal, etc.)

By Distribution Channel
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

By Region
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

North America leads the global market due to high opioid usage, strong clinical awareness, favorable reimbursement frameworks, and the presence of major pharmaceutical players. Europe follows with steady adoption of targeted therapies, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth owing to expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing opioid prescriptions, and recent regulatory approvals.

Investment Landscape and ROI Outlook

The opioid induced constipation treatment market offers attractive investment opportunities supported by predictable demand, chronic therapy usage, and strong clinical need. Investors are increasingly focusing on companies with differentiated PAMORA portfolios, robust pipelines, and proven commercialization capabilities. With steady CAGR growth, expanding patient pools, and opportunities in emerging markets, the sector is expected to deliver stable and long-term returns on investment (ROI) over the forecast period.

Why Buy This Report?

• Gain comprehensive insights into market size, growth trends, and future outlook up to 2036

• Understand key drivers, challenges, and opportunities shaping the OIC treatment landscape

• Analyze competitive strategies of leading global and regional players

• Identify high-growth segments and regions for strategic decision-making

• Access detailed segmentation, company profiles, and recent developments to support investment, marketing, and expansion strategies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How big was the global opioid induced constipation treatment market in 2025?
The market was valued at US$ 2.9 billion in 2025.

2. How big will the opioid induced constipation treatment market be by 2036?
It is projected to reach over US$ 5.2 billion by the end of 2036.

3. What are the key factors driving market growth?
Key drivers include increasing opioid use for chronic and post-surgical pain, a growing elderly population, rising awareness of OIC, regulatory approvals for new therapies, and advancements in healthcare infrastructure.

4. What is the expected CAGR during the forecast period?
The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2026 to 2036.

5. Who are the prominent players in the global market?
Major players include Salix Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Mallinckrodt, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Ironwood, Nektar Therapeutics, and Cigna Healthcare.

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