India Gabapentin Market By Source (In-house v/s Contract Manufacturing Organizations), By Form (Tablet, Capsule, Others), By Strength (100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online v/s Offline), By Application (Epilepsy, Neuropathic Pain, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Seizures, Others), By End User (Adult v/s Paediatric), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Market Overview

India Gabapentin Market was valued at USD 74.52 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 108.57 Million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.31% in the forecast period.  

The gabapentin market in India has experienced steady growth over the past decade, largely driven by an expanding prevalence of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders. As the Indian healthcare system continues to advance in diagnostic capabilities and accessibility, more patients are being identified and treated for these chronic conditions, generating higher demand for gabapentin formulations.

Generic versions of gabapentin dominate the Indian market, owing to competitive pricing and widespread patent expirations. Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers, particularly mid‑tier and regional firms, offer cost‑effective versions, making the drug highly accessible even in semi‑urban and rural areas. In contrast, branded versions, though less dominant, remain favored in private hospitals and specialist clinics where brand recognition and perceived quality often influence prescribing habits.

Regulatory mechanisms in India emphasize affordability and price control, with periodic revisions to the National List of Essential Medicines and oversight by the authorities helping to keep gabapentin pricing favorable. This supportive regulatory environment is instrumental in ensuring stable market prices and steady volumes. Therapeutically, gabapentin is widely prescribed both as an adjunct to conventional antiepileptic therapies and as a frontline treatment for certain neuropathic pain conditions like diabetic neuropathy and post‑herpetic neuralgia. In geriatric populations, especially, physicians often prefer gabapentin due to its relatively mild side‑effect profile compared to other options.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Neuropathic Disorders

The rising prevalence of neuropathic disorders is a significant factor propelling the growth of the gabapentin market in India. Neuropathic pain results from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system and is commonly associated with conditions such as diabetes, shingles, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis. Gabapentin, as an effective treatment for such conditions, has seen increasing use across both urban and rural healthcare settings. India is witnessing a surge in lifestyle-related diseases that often lead to neuropathic complications. One of the primary contributors is the rising burden of diabetes. An estimated 77 million adults in India are currently living with diabetes, many of whom experience diabetic neuropathy—a key indication for gabapentin use. This growing diabetic population continues to fuel demand for effective and affordable pain management therapies.

Another contributing factor is the increase in the aging population, which is more vulnerable to neurological disorders. Around 8.6% of India’s population is aged 60 years and above, a segment highly prone to conditions like post-herpetic neuralgia and peripheral nerve damage. As life expectancy increases, this demographic is expected to expand, directly impacting the demand for gabapentin.

Increased awareness and better diagnostic capabilities have also led to higher identification rates of chronic nerve-related pain disorders. With more patients being correctly diagnosed, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, prescriptions of gabapentin have become more frequent. As these trends continue, gabapentin's role in neuropathic pain management is expected to grow steadily in the Indian pharmaceutical market.

Aging Population

India’s aging population is a key driver of the gabapentin market, as older adults are more susceptible to conditions that involve chronic nerve pain and neurological dysfunction. As individuals age, their risk increases for disorders such as post-herpetic neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, and epilepsy—conditions where gabapentin is frequently prescribed for symptomatic relief. India currently has over 120 million people aged 60 years and above, comprising nearly 8.6% of the total population. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades due to improvements in healthcare access and life expectancy. An aging population brings with it a higher incidence of age-related neurological and metabolic disorders, which directly drives demand for medications like gabapentin.

Geriatric patients are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic illnesses, often requiring long-term pharmacological management. Gabapentin’s relatively mild side-effect profile compared to other antiepileptics or analgesics makes it a preferred option among healthcare providers treating elderly patients. It is often prescribed to manage both seizures and nerve pain, which frequently co-occur in older individuals. Falls, injuries, and spinal issues are also more common among the elderly and can result in chronic nerve pain. The use of gabapentin in treating these conditions has become more prevalent, especially in hospital and rehabilitation settings. In some regions, the growth in prescriptions for gabapentin is closely aligned with increasing outpatient visits by senior citizens.

As India transitions toward an older demographic structure, the healthcare system’s response to age-related diseases will continue to boost gabapentin consumption across public and private sectors.

Increased Diabetes Burden

The increased burden of diabetes in India is a major factor contributing to the growth of the gabapentin market. Diabetes often leads to complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes chronic nerve pain and numbness, typically in the hands and feet. Gabapentin is widely used to manage this type of neuropathic pain, making it a key therapeutic option for diabetic patients. India is home to one of the largest populations of people with diabetes in the world, with an estimated 77 million adults affected. This number is projected to rise significantly in the coming years due to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and increasing obesity rates. As more patients are diagnosed with diabetes, the incidence of related complications like neuropathy also increases, creating sustained demand for effective treatments such as gabapentin.

Research indicates that around 26% of Indian adults with diabetes experience some form of diabetic neuropathy. This high prevalence highlights the growing need for targeted pain management therapies in clinical practice. Gabapentin, due to its proven efficacy and favorable safety profile, is frequently prescribed by general practitioners and endocrinologists for these patients.

Rising awareness and improved diagnostic facilities are also enabling earlier detection of diabetes-related complications. As healthcare systems in India continue to emphasize chronic disease management, gabapentin is becoming more integrated into treatment protocols for long-term diabetic care. This growing clinical acceptance, coupled with the expanding diabetic population, is expected to further strengthen the demand for gabapentin across the country’s pharmaceutical landscape.

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Key Market Challenges

Prescription Misuse and Dependency Risks

Prescription misuse and dependency risks are emerging challenges in the India gabapentin market. Although gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance in most parts of India, its increasing availability and off-label usage have raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Originally developed as an anticonvulsant, gabapentin is now frequently prescribed for neuropathic pain, anxiety, and other conditions, some of which fall outside its primary indication. Misuse often involves taking higher doses than prescribed or combining gabapentin with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol to enhance euphoric effects. This behavior poses serious health risks such as respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of overdose. A recent study estimated that around 6% of patients prescribed gabapentin in India had used it inappropriately at some point during their treatment.

Another concerning trend is the increasing co-prescription of gabapentin with opioids in chronic pain management. Around 18% of patients receiving opioid therapy in urban Indian clinics were also prescribed gabapentin. While this combination is sometimes medically justified, it can increase the potential for abuse and adverse effects if not carefully monitored. Gabapentin is perceived by some patients as a safer alternative to opioids, which can lead to self-medication or unauthorized use, particularly in areas where regulation is weak. This has prompted calls from some public health experts for stricter guidelines on gabapentin prescribing and monitoring. If left unaddressed, the misuse and dependency risks could prompt regulatory intervention, tighter prescribing limits, and reputational damage for brands, potentially constraining market growth in the coming years.

Low Awareness in Rural Areas

Low awareness in rural areas is a significant barrier to the growth of the gabapentin market in India. Rural populations often lack access to specialized healthcare services, including neurologists and pain specialists, resulting in underdiagnosis and undertreatment of conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy, and post-herpetic neuralgia—key indications for gabapentin. In India, nearly 65% of the population resides in rural areas, yet access to healthcare infrastructure remains limited. Many patients experiencing symptoms of neuropathic pain may not seek medical attention or may receive incorrect diagnoses due to a shortage of trained professionals and limited diagnostic tools. This directly affects the demand for gabapentin in these regions.

A health survey across several Indian states showed that only about 20% of rural patients with chronic pain had received any form of neurological evaluation. As a result, gabapentin, though widely available, is not utilized to its full potential in these areas. Instead, patients often rely on over-the-counter painkillers or traditional remedies, delaying appropriate treatment. Pharmaceutical outreach and awareness campaigns have largely focused on urban markets where healthcare access and literacy are higher. This urban-centric approach leaves rural populations underinformed about treatment options for nerve-related disorders. The limited presence of e-pharmacies and digital health services in rural settings also restricts the spread of information and access to medications.

Addressing this gap requires targeted efforts such as mobile health clinics, rural awareness programs, and training initiatives for primary care doctors to recognize and treat neuropathic conditions more effectively using therapies like gabapentin.

Key Market Trends

Rising Demand for Extended-Release Formulations

The rising demand for extended-release (ER) formulations of gabapentin in India reflects a broader shift in patient and physician preferences toward improved treatment adherence and symptom control. ER versions offer the advantage of once-daily dosing, reducing pill burden and enhancing compliance, especially in patients with chronic conditions like diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia.

A growing number of prescribers are opting for ER formulations in elderly patients and those managing long-term pain, where stable plasma levels are critical. Around 42% of neurologists in tier-1 Indian cities have reported increased use of ER gabapentin in their practice, primarily for neuropathic pain. The demand is particularly strong among geriatric patients who often struggle with multiple daily dosing schedules.

In the branded generics market, ER formulations account for an estimated 15% of total gabapentin sales volume in India, a figure that has been steadily rising over the past three years. This upward trend is driven by better patient adherence, fewer side effects from peak-dose fluctuations, and growing availability through both hospital and retail channels. Pharmaceutical companies in India are also investing in developing fixed-dose combinations that include ER gabapentin with complementary agents like methylcobalamin, aiming to enhance therapeutic outcomes and differentiate their offerings in a crowded generics space.

As India’s healthcare system places greater focus on chronic disease management and patient-centric care, ER gabapentin formulations are expected to gain wider adoption across both public and private healthcare segments, supported by clinician preference and patient convenience.

Increased Use in Off-Label Indications

The increased use of gabapentin in off-label indications is becoming a notable trend in the Indian pharmaceutical market. Though originally approved for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, gabapentin is now frequently prescribed for conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and chronic back pain. This shift in prescribing behavior is largely due to gabapentin’s relatively safe profile, ease of availability, and non-scheduled status under Indian drug regulations. An estimated 65% of physicians in urban hospitals have prescribed gabapentin for at least one off-label condition in the past year, reflecting growing clinical acceptance. In mental health settings, gabapentin is commonly used to manage anxiety-related symptoms when conventional treatments like SSRIs are either not tolerated or ineffective. Its sedative properties also make it a frequent choice for sleep disturbances in patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders.

In outpatient clinics, approximately 30% of gabapentin prescriptions are written for non-approved indications, particularly for musculoskeletal pain or general chronic pain conditions. These off-label uses are driven by patient demand for non-opioid alternatives and the perception of gabapentin as a safer, less addictive option.

However, this widespread off-label use raises important concerns. Without strong clinical evidence or standardized dosing guidelines for many of these conditions, there is a risk of inconsistent outcomes and increased side effects. The growing use of gabapentin outside its approved scope highlights the need for better prescribing education, clinical protocols, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure safe and rational use across all therapeutic areas.

Segmental Insights

Source Insights

Based on source, in the India gabapentin market, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) was dominant than in-house manufacturing. This dominance is driven by cost efficiency, scalability, and faster market access. Many pharmaceutical companies, particularly mid-sized and generic drug players, prefer outsourcing production to CMOs to avoid heavy capital investment in manufacturing infrastructure. India’s pharmaceutical landscape is highly competitive, and maintaining low production costs is critical. CMOs help companies achieve this by offering bulk manufacturing at lower unit costs, leveraging economies of scale. They also allow firms to focus on marketing, distribution, and regulatory affairs while leaving production to specialized manufacturers.

Another factor contributing to CMO dominance is regulatory compliance. CMOs with WHO-GMP and USFDA approvals are often better equipped to meet stringent quality standards, making them attractive partners for companies targeting both domestic and export markets. With the growing demand for gabapentin in various formulations, especially extended-release and fixed-dose combinations, CMOs provide the flexibility to adapt quickly without the delays associated with scaling in-house operations.

Form Insights

Based on form, in the India gabapentin market, In the India gabapentin market, tablets are the fastest growing dosage form, outpacing capsules and other formulations. Their growth is driven by patient convenience, cost-effectiveness, and strong acceptance among prescribers for managing chronic neurological conditions such as neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Tablets account for around 65% of gabapentin prescriptions in the country, with demand further supported by features like dose flexibility—especially for geriatric patients—and the integration of extended-release technology to improve adherence in long-term therapy.

On the supply side, tablets are easier and more economical to manufacture at scale, have longer shelf life, and are better suited to India’s diverse distribution networks across both urban and rural areas. Their affordability aligns with the country’s cost-sensitive pharmaceutical market, while government tenders and public health programs also prioritize tablet formulations for budget efficiency. With their practicality, affordability, and adaptability to varying dosing needs, tablets continue to gain momentum as the fastest growing segment in the gabapentin market.

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Regional Insights

Based on region, the south region of India dominated the gabapentin market, with states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana contributing significantly to overall demand. This regional dominance is attributed to several key factors, including advanced healthcare infrastructure, higher awareness of neurological disorders, and a strong presence of both public and private healthcare facilities. Southern India has a larger network of multi-specialty hospitals, neurology clinics, and pain management centers, where conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy, and post-herpetic neuralgia are actively diagnosed and treated. Physicians in this region are more likely to prescribe gabapentin as part of standard care for chronic nerve-related conditions.

The prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes is also higher in southern states, increasing the incidence of diabetic neuropathy—a major indication for gabapentin use. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry has a strong manufacturing and distribution base in this region, ensuring better availability and faster access to medications. With a more proactive approach to chronic disease management and better healthcare penetration, the southern region leads in both volume and value in the gabapentin market.

Key Market Players

• Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
• Alkem Laboratories Ltd.
• Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Hetero Drugs Ltd.
• Silverline Chemicals Ltd.
• Taj Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Divis Laboratories Ltd.
• Unnati Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

Report Scope:

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

• India Gabapentin Market, By Source:

o   In-house

o   Contract Manufacturing Organizations       

• India Gabapentin Market, By Form:

o   Tablet

o   Capsule

o   Others          

• India Gabapentin Market, By Strength:

o   100 mg

o   200 mg

o   300 mg

o   400 mg

o   Others         

• India Gabapentin Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Online

o   Offline       

• India Gabapentin Market, By Application:

o   Epilepsy

o   Neuropathic Pain

o   Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

o   Seizures

o   Others  

• India Gabapentin Market, By End User:

o   Adult

o   Pediatric    

• India Gabapentin Market, By Region:

o   North India

o   East India

o   West India

o   South India

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Gabapentin Market.

Available Customizations:

India Gabapentin Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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