Saline laxatives are soluble inorganic salts that contain multivalent cations or anions. Examples of saline laxatives include citrate salts (Royvac), magnesium preparations (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia), sulfate salts, and sodium phosphate. Saline laxatives can be administered orally as well rectal route of administration. Oral saline (salt) laxatives are used for rapid emptying lower intestine and bowel. Oral saline laxatives are most commonly used in treating occasional constipation. Rectal saline laxatives have applications in various health conditions such as during labor pain, post birth, during preparation for examination or surgery, to normalize bowel functions, and in post-surgical conditions.

Market Dynamics

Increasing prevalence of constipation due to sedentary lifestyle and low consumption of fluids and fiber diet are major factors that are expected to drive the global saline laxative market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study 2016, chronic constipation is a common complaint received by both gastroenterologists and primary care physicians, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1% to 8% among the North America population. Moreover, constipation occurs more frequently in women, with a female/male ratio ranging from 1.01 to 3.77.

Various saline (salt) solutions such as magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide (MOM), magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), sodium phosphates, and polyethylene glycol are used in preparing oral saline laxatives. Moreover, manufacturers are focused on offering saline laxatives for oral use, which is expected to drive growth of the oral segment in saline laxatives market over the forecast period. For instance, Pendopharm offers LAX-A DAY, polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder (salt) for oral solution. The product was launched in August 2017.

Key features of the study

• This report provides in-depth analysis of the global saline laxatives market, market size (USD Mn), and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) over the forecast period (2026–2033), considering 2025 as the base year
• It elucidates potential revenue opportunities across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrices for this market
• This study also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new technology launches or approval, market trends, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by leading players
• It profiles leading players in the global saline laxatives market based on the following parameters – company overview, financial performance, technology portfolio, geographical presence, distribution strategies, key developments, and strategies
• Key players covered as a part of this study include Bayer AG, Beutlich Pharmaceuticals LLC., Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc, Cardinal Health, Inc., Major Pharmaceuticals, Dynarex Corporation, Pharmascience Inc, and Salix Pharmaceuticals.
• Insights from this report would allow marketers and management authorities of companies to make informed decision with respect to future technology launches, government initiatives, technological upgradation, market expansion, and marketing tactics
• The global saline laxatives market report caters to various stakeholders in this market, including investors, technology manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers for global saline laxatives market, research and consulting firms, new entrants, and financial analysts

Market Segmentation

• Age Group Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Pediatric
  • Adult
• Route of Administration Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Oral
  • Rectal
• Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2026 - 2033)
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2026 - 2033)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Bayer AG
  • Beutlich Pharmaceuticals LLC.
  • Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc
  • Cardinal Health, Inc.
  • Major Pharmaceuticals
  • Dynarex Corporation
  • Pharmascience Inc
  • Salix Pharmaceuticals