Analgesics emerging as one of the largest constituents of the over-the-counter (OTC) market, led by cancer care and pain-management in geriatrics population
Drivers of Analgesics Market
Pain management is a very essential aspect in cancer care and in the delivery of care involved in acute and chronic diseases that include after-treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Analgesics are used as painkillers to treat and reduce pain in the body in these conditions. These painkillers– consisting of non-opioids and opioids or a combination of both– are hugely important in relieving different types of pain. Over the years, analgesics has emerged as one of the largest constituents of the over-the-counter (OTC) market, has continue to occupy a cornerstone place in many leading consumer health producers’ portfolios. A large part of Analgesics market is available OTC; however, some are prescriptive such as NSAIDs like Celebrex, Cataflam, and Motrin. Factors such as increasing incidence of various cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and different types of arthritis along with rapidly growing geriatric population have led to great market demand of analgesics. Furthermore, increasing investments in R&D across various government and private sector, with emphasis on the formulating of new therapeutics, would further foster the market across regions.
Routes in Administration of analgesics
There are various rotes of administration of analgesics: oral, intravenous, rectal, transdermal and topical, the choice of routes depend on many factors that will decide systemic absorption. To alter systemic absorption rate may need for adjustment in the dose or time interval between repeated drug doses. The oral route is the most prominent and acceptable method and its success largely depends on the rate of absorption from the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. The rectal route is another useful alternative to oral method, particularly useful in case of severe pain, accompanied by vomiting and nausea. However, informed consent is important prior to administration of any such as preparation especially if this method is chosen in case of general anaesthesia.
Market rends in Analgesics formulations
Most of the opioid drugs– the drugs derived from opium–are the strongest types of analgesics, and mainly used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain and are always prescriptive. Also called narcotics analgesics, they are used to treat several types of discomfort such as in cases of severe back pain, pain after childbirth, and in types of cancer-associated pain. Examples of these medications are morphine, meperidine, methadone, codeine and oxycodone. However as reported by patients in some cases due to their continued usage, conventional opioid painkillers may have side effects. This has led to scientists and researchers across regions searching for better medications and formulations that can relieve pain without having the side effects of opioid analgesics.
Recent trend that has gained prominence in the analgesics market is Patient controlled analgesia systems (PCAS), especially in the U.K. Traditionally, PCAS is used for postoperative pain; however it has the potential to be an effective strategy in additional pain management situations, such as pre-operative pain management for patients suffering from fractured hip. PCAS, usually with a background infusion, is an effective method of administering analgesics in children, particularly in the age group of 11- 18 years of age, and has been reported with many positive reviews from the families affected. Nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA) is another segment used in child care settings, and the nurses can administer controlled doses of these medications at some times of enhanced pain.
Market growth prospects
As per a recent report by Allied Market Research titled “World Analgesics Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015 – 2022”, world analgesics market would reach $26.4 billion by 2022; the non-opioids segment is forecast to generate the maximum revenue through the forecast period. Geographically, North America and Europe, would continue to dominate the market– combined, they accounted for over 50% of the total market share in the analgesics market in 2015. The oral analgesics accounted about half of the market share in 2015, and would maintain its lead position the forecast period, the demand driven by cost efficiency and ease of availability. 
