Paracetamol Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The paracetamol market is projected to reach US$15.02 billion by 2031 from US$10.74 billion in 2024. The market is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.0% during 2025-2031. Major factors driving the market growth include a rise in prevalence of chronic pain and fever-related disorders and the wide usage of paracetamol as an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic and antipyretic are propelling the adoption of paracetamol. Further, expansion of paracetamol combination therapy products will likely boost the market during the forecast period. However, the raw material supply dependency and price volatility are among the market deterrents.

Chronic pain is increasingly recognized as a profound and expanding public health challenge worldwide. It now affects roughly one in five adults globally-equivalent to more than 1.5 billion people. Prevalence estimates vary widely across regions, ranging from 8% to over 40%, depending on factors such as age, socio-economic status, and the definitions used, as reported by the Boston University School of Public Health. In India, for example, a community study estimated that about 19.3% of adults suffer chronic pain, roughly 180-200 million individuals, with previous surveys suggesting even higher rates in some regions, as per the PubMed Central. Chronic musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain and neck pain, and headache disorders (notably tension-type headache and migraine), are the predominant contributors, with Global Burden of Disease data reporting over 2.6 billion cases of headache disorders and musculoskeletal disorders in 2019. Between 2009 and 2021, global self-reported pain prevalence rose from 26.3% to 32.1%, adding half a billion additional pain sufferers worldwide, with more rapid increases seen among women, younger adults, the least educated, and economically disadvantaged groups.

Conditions such as enteric fever (typhoid) remain prevalent on the fever-related disorders side, particularly in South Asia. In 2021, there were ~107,500 deaths globally attributed to enteric fever, with South Asia accounting for roughly two-thirds of those fatalities; India alone represented nearly half of global deaths (~51,500 deaths). While enteric fever mortality has slightly declined since 2017, the residual high incidence continues to drive the demand for antipyretic and analgesic treatments. Environmental and social determinants-such as urbanization, aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, poor ergonomics, mental stress, and climate change-are also taxing health systems by raising the incidence of both pain and fever-triggering infections such as dengue and waterborne diseases, whose frequencies are increasing due to expanding vector ranges and changing climatic conditions.

These intersecting trends-a rising population with chronic pain and fever episodes, persistent under-treatment, health inequities, and structural factors accelerating both types of disorders-are driving sustained and increasing consumption of over-the-counter antipyretic/analgesics such as paracetamol. As chronic pain sufferers often rely on OTC relief in the absence of specialist care, and fever conditions frequently prompt immediate symptomatic treatment, paracetamol remains a first-line, low-cost, widely accessible option. Manufacturers respond by widening availability, emphasizing safety messaging, and incorporating paracetamol into a broader range of combination therapies.

The comparative company analysis evaluates and categorizes the paracetamol market based on product portfolio (product satisfaction, product features, and availability), recent market developments (merger & acquisition, new product launch & enhancement, investment & funding, award, agreement, collaboration, & partnership, recognition, and expansion), and geographic presence that aids better decision-making and understanding of the competitive landscape. The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments and innovations by the leading vendors in the global paracetamol market. The key market players are Mallinckrodt Plc, GSK Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi SA, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Cipla Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Granules India Ltd, and IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Based on dosage form, the paracetamol market is segmented into tablets, capsules, and others. In 2024, the tablets segment held a significant paracetamol market share.

By indication, the market is categorized into mild and moderate pain, fever and others. The mild and moderate pain segment accounted for the largest share of the paracetamol market in 2024. Paracetamol remains a globally recommended first-line therapy for mild to moderate pain, including headaches, muscle aches, menstrual discomfort, dental pain, and postoperative soreness. Its popularity stems from a central analgesic mechanism, low gastrointestinal side effects, and long-standing over-the-counter (OTC) availability. These attributes make it suitable for a wide range of populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and pediatric patients. Clinical evidence supports that doses between 500 mg and 1 g four-hourly (maximum 4 g/day) effectively relieve many acute pain episodes. Recent safety literature, The Sun UK Edition, a media report, (2024) continues to question routine use in older populations, linking long-term use to increased risks, including peptic ulcer bleeding (+24%), lower GI bleeding (+36%), and heart failure risk (+9%) among adults aged 65+, raising concerns about the risks associated with prolonged or high-frequency dosing. Usage patterns shifted significantly during the COVID-19 era, with demand surging-many countries saw a multi-fold increase in self-medication for fever and general aches, reinforcing paracetamol's position as a staple analgesic. Globally, the rising burden of chronic pain conditions-headaches, arthritis, back pain, and migraines-has fueled ongoing high usage, while self-medication and expanding e-pharmacy models in markets such as North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America further broaden OTC paracetamol access.

Based on route of administration, the paracetamol market is segmented into enteral and parenteral. The enteral segment held the largest share of the market in 2024, owing to the higher accepted route of administrations of paracetamol for disease treatment.

Regarding distribution channel, the paracetamol market is categorized into retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies and online pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment held the largest share of the paracetamol market in 2024 due to the high dependency of patients on retail pharmacies for the medications.

Companies operating in the paracetamol market adopt various organic and inorganic strategies. The organic strategies mainly include product launches and product approvals. Inorganic growth strategies witnessed in the market are acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. These growth strategies allow the market players to expand their businesses, enhance their geographic presence, and contribute to the overall market growth. Furthermore, acquisitions and partnerships helped strengthen their customer base and extend their product portfolios. A few significant developments by key paracetamol market players are listed below.

In August 2025, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said it will stop producing its widely used painkiller Acamol in Israel and move manufacturing to its facility in Ulm, Germany. The company said relocating production from its Kfar Saba plant employing around 1,000 workers is part of a broader global strategy to streamline operations and align Israeli products with European standards. Versions of the drug, such as Acamol Focus, Acamol Cold in gel capsules, and Acamol Forte, will continue to be produced in Israel.

In October 2024, Sanofi announces that it has negotiated with CD&R to potentially sell a 50% controlling stake in Opella, its consumer healthcare business. Any agreement would be subject to the completion of the necessary social processes. Further updates on the potential separation of Opella will be provided when a decision is made.

In October 2024, CFAO has acquired Opella Healthcare South Africa. This partnership will only include Sanofi's consumer healthcare brands. Sanofi's pharmaceutical medicines and vaccines will still operate separately in South Africa.