Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Summary

• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements without an identifiable underlying cause.
• Diagnosis of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation is based on Rome IV criteria, requiring symptoms like straining, hard stools, or infrequent bowel movements for at least three months. Secondary causes are excluded through clinical evaluation and, if needed, diagnostic testing.
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation affects an estimated 10–17% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women and older adults, likely due to age-related changes in gut motility, hormonal influences, and comorbid conditions.
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation treatment includes a stepwise approach starting with lifestyle and dietary modifications, followed by the use of over-the-counter laxatives, and progressing to prescription therapies such as GC-C agonists, chloride channel activators, and 5-HT₄ receptor agonists. These agents target different mechanisms to improve bowel motility and stool consistency.
• Several branded therapies are approved, including AMITIZA (lubiprostone), LINZESS (linaclotide), TRULANCE (plecanatide), and MOTEGRITY (prucalopride), each offering distinct mechanisms such as chloride channel activation, GC-C agonism, or prokinetic stimulation. Among these, AMITIZA is the only one with generic availability in the US as of 2021, while MOTEGRITY recently saw the launch of its first generics in 2025.
• There is a clear lack of emerging treatments for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, reflecting limited innovation despite gaps in efficacy with current options. This therapeutic stagnation highlights the need for renewed, mechanism-driven research to better serve patients with persistent symptoms.
• Despite the availability of multiple approved options, variability in treatment response and unmet patient needs highlight the importance of renewed research investment to advance more personalized and mechanistically novel solutions

DelveInsight’s comprehensive report titled “Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034” offers a detailed analysis of chronic idiopathic constipation. The report presents historical and projected epidemiological data covering total prevalent cases of constipation, total diagnosed prevalent cases of chronic idiopathic constipation, gender-specific cases of chronic idiopathic constipation, age-specific cases of chronic idiopathic constipation, and treated cases of chronic idiopathic constipation. In addition to epidemiology, the market report encompasses various aspects related to the patient population. These aspects include the diagnosis process, prescription patterns, physician perspectives, market accessibility, treatment options, and prospective developments in the market across seven major markets: the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan, spanning from 2020 to 2034.

The report analyzes the existing treatment practices and unmet medical requirements in chronic idiopathic constipation. It evaluates the market potential and identifies potential business prospects for enhancing therapies or interventions. This valuable information enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding product development and strategic planning for the market.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Overview

Chronic idiopathic constipation is a condition without any known cause or identified underlying illness. Constipation is a condition which can be defined as a state of unsatisfactory defecation, with characteristic features of infrequent stools and difficulty in passing stools, or both. It is called idiopathic because the cause of this type of constipation is unknown and it is not caused by an underlying illness or medication.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm 

Diagnosis of chronic idiopathic constipation is primarily clinical and is made after ruling out secondary causes of constipation. According to the Rome IV criteria, a patient is diagnosed with CIC if they have experienced at least two of the following symptoms for at least three months, with symptom onset at least six months prior: straining during defecation, lumpy or hard stools, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, a feeling of anorectal blockage, manual maneuvers to assist defecation, or fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week. Additionally, patients should not meet the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), as CIC is characterized by minimal or no abdominal pain and primarily involves bowel movement difficulties. 

The chronic idiopathic constipation treatment follows a stepwise approach, beginning with lifestyle and dietary modifications such as increased fiber intake, adequate hydration, regular physical activity, and consistent toilet habits. If these measures are insufficient, over-the-counter osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350), magnesium hydroxide, or lactulose are commonly used, with PEG being the most widely recommended due to its proven safety and efficacy. For patients with persistent symptoms, prescription therapies are considered, including lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride, each targeting fluid secretion or motility through distinct mechanisms. In cases where constipation is refractory to medical therapy, especially if pelvic floor dysfunction is suspected, anorectal biofeedback therapy becomes essential. Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for severe, well-characterized cases of colonic inertia that do not respond to medical or behavioral interventions. Overall, treatment is individualized, aiming to restore regular bowel function and improve quality of life. 

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Epidemiology

The epidemiology section of the chronic idiopathic constipation market report offers information on the patient populations, including historical and projected trends for each of the seven major markets. Examining key opinion leader views from physicians or clinical experts can assist in identifying the reasons behind historical and projected trends. The diagnosed patient pool, their trends, and the underlying assumptions are all included in this section of the report.

This section also presents the data with relevant tables and graphs, offering a clear and concise view of the prevalence of chronic idiopathic constipation. Additionally, the report discloses the assumptions made during the analysis, ensuring data interpretation and presentation transparency. This epidemiological data is valuable for understanding the disease burden and its impact on the patient population across various regions.

• As per secondary research, 6% of adults surveyed had chronic idiopathic constipation in the US according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria.
• Constipation is seen in ~7% of adults in the general US population, and becomes more common with age.
• Constipation is more than twice as prevalent in women, who are more likely than men to use laxatives and seek health care.

The epidemiology of chronic idiopathic constipation is expected to change during the forecast period (2025-2034).

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Outlook

The chronic idiopathic constipation therapeutics market is further expected to increase by the major drivers, such as the rising prevalence population, technological advancements, and upcoming therapies in the forecast period (2025–2034).

With ongoing research and continued dedication, the future holds hope for even more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this challenging condition. According to DelveInsight, the chronic idiopathic constipation in the 7MM is expected to change significantly during the forecast period 2025–2034.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Drug Chapters 

Marketed Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Drugs

MOTEGRITY (prucalopride): Takeda

MOTEGRITY is a selective serotonin-4 (5-HT₄) receptor agonist approved by the FDA in December 2018 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It works by enhancing colonic peristalsis, thereby increasing bowel motility and promoting more regular spontaneous bowel movements. Clinical trials have shown that approximately 20–38% of patients treated with prucalopride achieve three or more complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week, compared to 10–20% in placebo groups. 

TRULANCE (plecanatide): Bausch

TRULANCE is a guanylate cyclase‑C (GC‑C) agonist FDA‑approved in January 2017 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. It mimics the endogenous peptide uroguanylin, increasing cyclic GMP levels in the intestinal epithelium to stimulate chloride and bicarbonate secretion, thereby softening stool and accelerating transit through the colon. TRULANCE comes in a 3 mg oral tablet that may be taken with or without food. A boxed warning highlights the significant risk of dehydration in pediatric patients younger than six years of age, and use is not recommended in patients under 18 years due to a lack of safety data and potential risk

Note: Detailed marketed therapies assessment will be provided in the final report

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Segmentation

DelveInsight’s ‘Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a detailed outlook of the current and future chronic idiopathic constipation market, segmented within countries, by therapies, and by classes. Further, the market of each region is then segmented by each therapy to provide a detailed view of the current and future market share of all therapies. 

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Size by Countries

The chronic idiopathic constipation market size is assessed separately for various countries, including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. In 2024, the United States held a significant share of the overall 7MM (Seven Major Markets) chronic idiopathic constipation market, primarily attributed to the country’s higher prevalence of the condition and the elevated cost of the available treatments.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Size by Therapies

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Size by Therapies categorized the current markets by available therapies for the study period 2020–2034. 

Note: Detailed market segment assessment will be provided in the final report.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Drugs Uptake

This section focuses on the sales uptake of potential chronic idiopathic constipation drugs that have recently been launched or are anticipated to be launched in the chronic idiopathic constipation market between 2020 and 2034. It estimates the market penetration of chronic idiopathic constipation drugs for a given country, examining their impact within and across classes and segments. It also touches upon the financial and regulatory decisions contributing to the probability of success (PoS) of the drugs in the chronic idiopathic constipation market.

Note: Detailed assessment of drug uptake and attribute analysis will be provided in the full report on chronic idiopathic constipation.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Access and Reimbursement

DelveInsight’s ‘Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast – 2034’ report provides a descriptive overview of the market access and reimbursement scenario of chronic idiopathic constipation. This section includes a detailed analysis of the country-wise healthcare system for each therapy, enlightening the market access, reimbursement policies, and health technology assessments. 

KOL Views

To keep up with current chronic idiopathic constipation market trends and fill gaps in secondary findings, we interview KOLs and SMEs’ working in the chronic idiopathic constipation domain. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or chronic idiopathic constipation market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the chronic idiopathic constipation unmet needs.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: KOL Insights

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 50+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. These KOLs were from organizations, institutes, and hospitals, such as Mercer University, US, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, ellvitge-Idibell University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK, and University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, among others.

“In rare circumstances, for patients who continue to have disabling constipation despite trying all medical therapies available, surgery to remove the colon may be considered. In many of these cases, the person has compromised colonic motility that doesn’t respond to other treatments.”

“While current therapies—including GC-C agonists, 5-HT₄ agonists, and chloride channel activators—have expanded our treatment options for chronic idiopathic constipation, many patients still report suboptimal relief.”

Note: Detailed assessment of KOL Views will be provided in the full report on chronic idiopathic constipation 

Competitive Intelligence Analysis

We conduct a Competitive and Market Intelligence analysis of the chronic idiopathic constipation Market, utilizing various Competitive Intelligence tools such as SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies. The inclusion of these analyses is contingent upon data availability, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed assessment of the market landscape and competitive dynamics.

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Report Insights

• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Patient Population
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Size and Trends
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Opportunities
• Impact of Upcoming Therapies

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Report Key Strengths

• 10 Years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Epidemiology Segmentation
• Key Cross Competition
• Highly Analyzed Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Drugs Uptake

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Report Assessment

• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Current Treatment Practices
• Unmet Needs
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Pipeline Product Profiles
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Market Attractiveness

Key Questions

• How common is chronic idiopathic constipation?
• What are the key findings of chronic idiopathic constipation epidemiology across the 7MM, and which country will have the highest number of patients during the study period (2020–2034)?
• What are the currently available treatments for chronic idiopathic constipation?
• What are the disease risk, burden, and unmet needs of chronic idiopathic constipation?
• At what CAGR is the chronic idiopathic constipation market and its epidemiology is expected to grow in the 7MM during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How would the unmet needs impact the chronic idiopathic constipation market dynamics and subsequently influence the analysis of the related trends?
• What would be the forecasted patient pool of chronic idiopathic constipation in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan?
• Among EU4 and the UK, which country will have the highest number of patients during the forecast period (2025–2034)?
• How many companies are currently developing therapies for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation?   

Reasons to buy

• The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the chronic idiopathic constipation Market.
• Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
• Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of current treatment in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
• Identification of strong upcoming players in the market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
• Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
• Highlights of Access and Reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of off-label expensive therapies, and patient assistance programs.
• To understand the perspective of Key Opinion Leaders around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future. 
• Detailed insights on the unmet needs of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.