Antacid sales in Gujarat surge amid growing self medication concerns
SLUG: GUT CHECK
Ahmedabad: The sale of antacids in Gujarat surged 73% over five years, prompting concern among health professionals about widespread self-medication and overuse of these commonly available stomach-settling drugs. Data from health-tech platform Pharmarack shows that the state's antacid market grew from Rs 230 crore in 2020 to Rs 398 crore in 2025. This was just the tip of the iceberg.
The broader gastrointestinal (GI) segment — covering acidity, indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea, and more — ballooned from Rs 603 crore to Rs 1,062 crore, a 76% jump during the same period. Antacids alone now account for 38% of Gujarat's GI drug market. The past year alone saw a sharp 21% spike in antacid sales — up from Rs 329 crore in FY24.
According to Sheetal Sapale, vice president (commercial) at Pharmarack, this growth was particularly notable in FY25, partly due to the frequent temperature fluctuations and increased viral infections. "With the temperature changes, viral infections caught up, and body pain, commonly associated with these infections, led to a spike in the use of painkillers, which in turn induce acidity. Additionally, infections cause weakness, leading to greater consumption of ORS and probiotics," she explained.
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Doctors attribute the trend to post-Covid fallout, erratic eating habits, prolonged screen time, lack of physical activity, and a rising reliance on quick fixes. Notably, antacids are now routinely prescribed alongside painkillers and anti-infective medications to mitigate gastric side effects.
Dr Sanjay Rajput, a city-based gastroenterologist, said rampant use of steroids, antibiotics, and painkillers during the Covid pandemic triggered widespread gastritis. "Yes, doctors have been prescribing more antacids, but there's also a parallel surge in self-medication. Many branded antacids are bought over the counter without any consultation. Plus, antacids are often paired with other drugs to reduce gastric side effects — so this growth reflects a broader spike in overall medication," he said.
Pharma distributors confirm that the demand for antacids hasn't slowed since the pandemic. The trend is especially strong among younger consumers, driven by poor diets, stress, and irregular routines, and all the more so as a function of the ease of ordering food.
"People think antacids are harmless because they're prescribed so often. Worse, many youngsters complain lately of acidity and flatulence more often than normal, many of whom are administered antacids by their parents without consulting the doctor. We estimate 25–30% of sales now come from self-medication. Antibiotics are now tightly regulated, but antacids remain a free-for-all," said Jashvant Patel, president of the Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists' Association.
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