The Union government has announced fresh restrictions on the sale of medicines that contain high levels of alcohol, citing concerns over misuse.
Under earlier relaxations provided by the central drug control authority under the “Schedule K” category, medicines with up to 12% alcohol were permitted to be sold with certain exemptions. Several cough, cold and similar remedies are manufactured using higher quantities of ethyl alcohol.
Authorities said these products had come to their notice for being used for intoxication. In response, the government decided to tighten rules on both the use of alcohol in medicines and their sale.
As per the new decision, medicines containing more than 12% alcohol cannot be bought or sold freely. Such products will require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
The new rules will come into effect from January 2027, and the government said the curbs are aimed at preventing the sale and misuse of these medicines.
