In the first ten months of 2025, retail sales of laxatives (EphMRA group A06A) in Russia, including the online channel, reached 43.4 million packs with a total market value of RUB 15.0 billion at retail prices (VAT included). According to the Audit of Retail Pharmaceutical Sales in Russia (total sell out) database by RNC Pharma, consumption in physical terms increased by 0.5% year on year. Notably, growth in unit sales was recorded in only 29 Russian regions, while demand for laxatives delivered directly to consumers via online channels continued to expand actively.

In value terms, sales growth versus January–October 2024 amounted to 13.8%. It is worth noting that in both 2024 and 2023, unit consumption of constipation treatments had been steadily declining.

Among Russian regions, the most pronounced growth in physical consumption in 2025 was observed in Altai Krai and the Republic of Crimea, where unit sales increased by 3.8% and 3.7%, respectively, compared with January–October 2024. Noticeable growth was also recorded in the Republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, with increases of 2.2% and 2.1%, respectively. In contrast, the most significant decline in demand was registered in Krasnodar Krai and Stavropol Krai, where unit sales fell by 6.4% in both regions.

The retail assortment of laxatives remains relatively stable. In 2025, sales were recorded for 63 brands, with the top ten products accounting for approximately 84% of the category’s value sales. The absolute market leader in January–October 2025 was Microlax (Johnson & Johnson), which held 24.3% of value sales and demonstrated growth of 16%. Second place was retained by Duphalac (Abbott) with a 13.4% market share and an identical growth rate of 16%. Notably, eight additional lactulose-based products from various manufacturers are present on the retail market, but almost all of them showed declining sales.

Among the leading brands, negative value dynamics were observed only for products based on sodium picosulfate, notably Slabilen (Abbott, −0.1%) and Guttalax (Sanofi, −7%). This segment includes as many as 17 competing products, resulting in intense price competition. The strongest value growth within the top ten was demonstrated by unbranded bisacodyl products (+48%), led primarily by Ozon Pharmaceuticals, as well as Slabicap from Binnopharm Group (+35%). Comparable growth rates were also recorded for Modelax (Promomed, +29%) and Forlax (Ipsen, +28%).

Outside the top ten, notable performance was shown by the combination product Slabiproct (Binnopharm Group), with sales increasing eightfold year on year, as well as Entofit Lax, whose sales grew fivefold. The latter is supplied to Russia by the Pakistani company Herbion; although not a new market entrant, the brand significantly intensified its commercial activity in 2025.

Table. TOP-10 Laxative Brands (EphMRA group A06A) by value sales on the Russian retail pharmaceutical market, January–October 2025