Antacids Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Tablet, Liquid, others), By End-use (Retail Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 7.21 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.01%
Fastest Growing Segment	Tablet
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 9.13 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Antacids Market will grow from USD 7.21 Billion in 2025 to USD 9.13 Billion by 2031 at a 4.01% CAGR. Antacids are pharmaceutical agents formulated to neutralize gastric acidity and provide relief from symptoms associated with heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. The primary drivers fueling the growth of this market include the rising incidence of gastrointestinal disorders caused by sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices, alongside an aging global population that is increasingly prone to digestive ailments. Furthermore, the market benefits substantially from the widespread consumer reliance on accessible nonprescription treatments to address minor health concerns without physician intervention. According to the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, in 2024, 89% of adults reported feeling confident in taking nonprescription medicines to manage their symptoms, underscoring the vital role of self-care in driving industry demand.

One significant challenge that could impede the expansion of the global antacids market is the growing awareness of potential adverse effects linked to prolonged consumption, such as renal complications and electrolyte imbalances. These safety concerns have led to increased scrutiny from health authorities and may prompt consumers to seek alternative therapeutic options or lifestyle modifications, thereby restraining the long-term growth potential of the traditional antacid sector.

Key Market Drivers

The Increasing Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) acts as a fundamental driver for the global antacids market, directly correlating with the proliferation of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary patterns. As the prevalence of acid-related disorders escalates, the demand for immediate symptom relief through neutralizing pharmaceutical agents has surged, compelling manufacturers to scale production. According to the National Institutes of Health, November 2024, in the article 'Global burden and temporal trends in GERD', the global number of prevalent GERD cases has reached approximately 825.6 million, highlighting a critical public health trend that ensures sustained consumption of antacid medications. This rising patient pool, driven largely by aging demographics and obesity, necessitates continuous therapeutic intervention, thereby solidifying the market’s long-term revenue trajectory.

Concurrently, the Growing Consumer Preference for Self-Medication is significantly propelling market expansion, as individuals increasingly opt for accessible over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to manage digestive ailments without clinical intervention. This behavior is supported by the widespread availability of trusted brands and the convenience of digital purchasing channels, which empower consumers to address minor symptoms autonomously. According to Haleon, October 2024, in the 'Q3 2024 Trading Statement', the Digestive Health division delivered an organic revenue increase of 5.9%, driven by double-digit growth in the Tums brand, validating the shift towards autonomy in health management. Reinforcing this industry-wide momentum, according to Sanofi, in July 2024, its Consumer Healthcare unit reported a sales growth of 9.6% in the second quarter, further evidencing the robust financial performance of the digestive wellness sector.

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Key Market Challenges

The growing awareness of potential adverse effects linked to prolonged antacid consumption, specifically renal complications and electrolyte imbalances, constitutes a significant restraint on the global market. As consumers become increasingly health-literate, the correlation between chronic antacid ingestion and kidney strain deters the habitual, preventative use of these products. This scrutiny transforms the product perception from a harmless daily staple into a medication requiring vigilance, prompting users to reduce purchase frequency or abandon the category in favor of lifestyle modifications and physician-prescribed alternatives, thereby directly reducing recurring revenue streams.

This market contraction is intensified by the diminishing consumer confidence in managing health concerns independently when faced with potential safety risks. According to the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, in 2025, the proportion of adults seeking advice from pharmacists as their first option for self-treatable conditions fell to 51%, illustrating a marked decline in reliance on nonprescription channels. This trend indicates that the fear of health complications is driving a significant portion of the addressable market toward physician intervention rather than over-the-counter solutions, effectively hampering the volume growth of the traditional antacid sector.

Key Market Trends

The proliferation of novel delivery formats, particularly gummies and soft chews, is reshaping consumer purchasing behavior in the global antacids market as users increasingly prioritize sensory appeal and convenience over traditional chalky tablets. Manufacturers are aggressively diversifying their portfolios with non-medicinal formats that resemble confectionery, thereby improving adherence and attracting younger demographics who view digestive wellness as a lifestyle component. This strategy has proven effective in sustaining category value; according to Haleon, October 2025, in the 'Q3 2025 Trading Statement', the Digestive Health division reported an organic revenue growth of 2.1%, which was explicitly attributed to the successful activation of innovations such as TUMS Gummy Bites Plus. This shift compels competitors to invest in flavor masking and texture optimization to differentiate their offerings in a crowded retail environment.

Concurrently, there is a rising demand for herbal and plant-based antacid alternatives, driven by the "clean label" movement and growing consumer skepticism regarding the long-term safety of synthetic chemical agents. This trend has elevated the status of botanical ingredients like peppermint and chamomile from niche remedies to mainstream therapeutic options, prompting major pharmaceutical players to acquire or develop natural product lines to retain health-conscious customers. The financial impact of this transition is evident; according to Bayer, November 2025, in the 'Quarterly Statement Q3 2025', sales in the Digestive Health category increased by 6.5% on a currency- and portfolio-adjusted basis, a performance significantly bolstered by the strong gains of the herbal brand Iberogast. Consequently, the market is witnessing a bifurcation where natural formulations command premium pricing while challenging the dominance of traditional proton pump inhibitors.

Segmental Insights

The Tablet segment is projected to witness the fastest growth in the Global Antacids Market, driven by high consumer demand for portable and convenient self-medication options. Tablets provide precise dosing and superior shelf stability compared to liquid formulations, which simplifies storage and distribution for retailers. Additionally, regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA frequently grant approvals for new over-the-counter chewable variations, fostering continuous product innovation. This accessibility supports the widespread adoption of tablets among individuals seeking immediate symptom relief while maintaining active lifestyles.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the global antacids market primarily due to the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, across the United States and Canada. The region benefits from a robust healthcare infrastructure and the presence of major pharmaceutical manufacturers that ensure consistent product availability. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports the market through clear guidelines that facilitate the approval and distribution of over-the-counter and prescription formulations. This regulatory clarity, combined with high consumer awareness regarding digestive health management, consolidates the region's dominance.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. announced a significant development in the acid-peptic management space by launching the novel molecule Tegoprazan in India. Introduced under the brand name PCAB, this potassium-competitive acid blocker was brought to market through a strategic partnership with HK inno.N Corporation. The product was indicated for the treatment of conditions such as erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastric ulcers, offering a new mechanism of action compared to traditional proton pump inhibitors. This collaboration and subsequent launch demonstrated the company's dedication to introducing breakthrough research and next-generation therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the global gastrointestinal market.
• In July 2025, Abbott significantly enhanced its consumer healthcare offerings by launching Digene Insta On The Go, a new portable antacid solution designed for rapid relief. The product was introduced in a convenient, single-use sachet format that does not require water for consumption, specifically targeting individuals with active, mobile lifestyles. Available in a mint flavor, the formulation was developed based on consumer insights that indicated a strong need for discreet and easily accessible remedies for acidity and heartburn. This launch underscored the company's strategy to modernize its established brands and provide practical solutions that fit seamlessly into the daily routines of consumers.
• In August 2024, Haleon introduced a novel variant of its leading antacid brand, ENO, in India to cater to the increasing consumer demand for natural healthcare products. The new 3-in-1 formulation combined the established efficacy of the brand's fast-acting relief with traditional natural ingredients, including cumin, carom seeds, and black salt. This strategic product launch aimed to provide a comprehensive solution for acidity, indigestion, and gastric discomfort by leveraging trusted home remedies. The initiative reflected the company's commitment to innovation within the digestive health category, aligning its product offerings with evolving consumer preferences for holistic and nature-inspired treatments.
• In June 2024, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. expanded its gastrointestinal portfolio with the launch of a new advanced anti-reflux formulation in the Indian market. The company introduced a chewable tablet containing a combination of sodium alginate and potassium bicarbonate, which received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). This product was developed to function as a reflux suppressant, offering relief to patients suffering from heartburn and indigestion. The launch highlighted the company's focus on delivering innovative dosage forms that enhance patient compliance and address the growing prevalence of acid-related disorders through effective, high-quality therapeutic solutions.

Key Market Players

• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Bayer AG
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.
• Sanofi SA
• Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
• Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
• Pfizer Inc.
• Procter & Gamble Co.

By Type	By End-use	By Region
Tablet Liquid others	Retail Pharmacy Hospital Pharmacy Online Pharmacy	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Antacids Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Antacids Market, By Type:

• Tablet
• Liquid
• others

• Antacids Market, By End-use:

• Retail Pharmacy
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy

• Antacids Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE