The government has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of nimesulide, a common pain and fever medication, in all oral “immediate release” formulations above the dosage of 100 mg, saying it poses a health risk. It removes “syrups … for cough” from Schedule K, the list of medicines exempted from the requirement of a prescription by a registered medical practitioner. This comes in the wake of at least 22 children dying in Madhya Pradesh after consuming contaminated cough syrups. There have also been instances, including one in Rajasthan, where children given cough syrups not meant for them have died. This recommendation, along with other advice on prescribing the medicine, were accepted by an expert committee under the apex drug regulator.

Source: Indian Express December 31, 2025 23:08 UTC