India Plans Strict Rules on Cough Syrup Sales After Child Deaths
Government Plans Prescription-Only Rule for Cough Syrups After Safety Concerns Rise
Soon, cough syrup purchases in India may require a doctor’s prescription. After the incident of multiple children’s deaths due to contaminated syrups in Madhya Pradesh, the central government is planning to bring about new regulations. The decision to limit the sale of such drugs aims to raise the safety standards but might increase the price of the medicines quite a lot.
The introduction of such rules means that pharmacies will not be allowed to sell cough syrups without prescriptions. Whether the medicine is worth ₹50 or ₹500, the buyer will need a prescription and pay for the doctor’s consultation. Generally, the consultation fee varies between ₹200 and ₹500. As a result, the price of a syrup that was initially ₹50 could multiply several times when the doctor is added.
Today, most of the cough syrups are classified under Schedule K, which defines them as low-risk medicines that can be sold without a licence. But after the tragic situation, the government has decided to verify this classification. According to the media, an expert committee has advised taking the drugs out of the list of OTC medicines and requiring a prescription for cough syrups only.
The root of the problem is a few toddlers have died after ingesting some particular brands of cough syrup, and thus, authorities have forbidden products such as Coldrif, Respifresh TR, Relife, and others that will no longer be available for sale and export. The administration says that the abolition is the only way to stop the further escalation of the issue.
So, what is the matter? Most of the syrups usually have opioids like codeine or dextromethorphan, which, when overdosed, can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death. Also, some people use them as an addicting source, although rarely. Long-time use can eventually become a dependency, both physical and psychological. The formulations are very dangerous for children under 12, and the specialists advise not to use them at all.
The cough syrup industry in India is enormous, and the market is estimated to be worth around ₹2,200 crore (approx. $262.5 million) and is growing at a rate of nearly 10% annually. By 2035, it will be able to reach up to ₹6,200 crore. However, with the safety issues taking precedence, the area of stricter control regulations is almost decided.
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