Prescription Mandatory For Many Cough Syrups? Government Tightens Drug Safety Rules

The government has tightened regulations on syrup-based medicines by removing key exemptions under Schedule K of the Drugs Rules. Under the new framework, cough syrups containing ingredients listed under Schedule H or Schedule H1 can now be sold only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The move comes amid growing concerns over drug safety, misuse of habit-forming medicines, and cases involving contaminated cough syrups. Neetu Chandra of Business Today highlighted that pharmacies will now face stricter compliance and record-keeping requirements for certain medicines. The changes extend to rural areas, where some exemptions previously allowed easier sales. While Ayurvedic and non-Schedule H formulations may still be available without prescriptions, authorities are increasing oversight of both offline and online medicine sales platforms.