For several years, the Russian retail market for laxatives has shown divergent dynamics: steady growth in monetary volume is accompanied by a decline or stagnation in sales in packages. This trend is due to a structural shift in consumption, where buyers are increasingly preferring products in the higher price segment, among which the most notable increase in demand is recorded in the microenema category.

In January–July 2026, the volume of the Russian retail market for laxatives (EphMRA group A06A) exceeded RUB 11.8 billion (at retail prices, including VAT). Total Russian spending in the category increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first seven months of this year, 31.3 million packages of drugs were sold in the pharmacy segment, with physical consumption in the group remaining virtually unchanged (+0.8%). Interestingly, physical demand for laxatives had been steadily declining for several years, while spending by residents of our country consistently increased. This gap is driven by changes in the demand structure.

According to the "Retail Audit of Drug Sales in Russia (total sell out)" from the analytical company RNC Pharma, the main class in the category remains drugs that enhance intestinal peristalsis, accounting for more than 40% of the physical volume and 33.6% of the group's monetary turnover. At the same time, physical demand for these drugs shows an annual decline; in 2022, they accounted for more than half of all physical sales. In contrast, the segment of laxative microenemas is actively expanding. From 2022 to 2025, sales of microenemas increased by 75% in value terms and 55% in physical terms.

In total, from January to July 2026, the retail market segment (including the online channel with delivery to consumers) included 63 brands of laxatives from 82 corporations. Leadership in the group is held by Microlax from Johnson & Johnson. The drug accounts for 24.9% of all monetary spending in the category, and compared to January–July 2025, the brand showed growth of +16% in rubles. Despite the presence of numerous analogues of this product in retail, Microlax remains the dominant brand among microenemas. Second place is held by the syrup formulation Duphalac (Abbott), with a 12.5% share in value terms. However, the dynamics here are relatively modest; over the year, demand for this drug increased by 4% in rubles. Third place is occupied by Slabilen from Abbott with an 11.3% share, with total spending increasing by 14% in rubles over the year.

In the top ten brands, only Modelax from Promomed showed negative ruble dynamics: over the year, its sales decreased by 11% in value and 26% in physical terms. Meanwhile, the leader in growth rates among the TOP-10 was the powder for oral solution Forlax from Ipsen Pharma, which showed growth of 27% in both rubles and packages.

Table. TOP-10 Brands of Laxatives (EphMRA Group A06A) by Monetary Sales Volume on the Russian Retail Pharmaceutical Market in January–July 2026