Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Banned Drugs / Drugs Banned in India / List of Banned Drugs

Banned Drugs / Drugs Banned in India / List of Banned Drugs


Drugs Banned in India

Drugs undergo rigorous testing before they are introduced into the market. They are first tested in animals and then in human beings during clinical trials for their efficacy as well as safety. Despite all precautions, some adverse effects of drugs appear only when the drug is used in the general population after its approval. These adverse effects are detected though a process of regular monitoring after the drug is released into the market called pharmacovigilance(1 Trusted Source
Adverse drug reactions

Go to source
).

If the adverse effects are severe or the risks of using the drug outweigh the benefits, or if the drug is ineffective, the country may ban the drug or the drug company may itself voluntarily withdraw the drug. Some drugs may cause adverse effects only when combined with particular drugs. In such cases, only the fixed dose combination is banned and not the individual drugs(2 Trusted Source
A study on drug safety monitoring program in India

Go to source
).

A number of single drugs as well as fixed dose combinations have been banned for manufacturing, marketing and distribution in India. Some individual drugs banned in India are mentioned below:

Drugs Used for Obesity and Weight Loss - Fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, rimonabant , sibutramine, phenylpropanolamine

The introduction of weight loss drugs in the Indian market provided hope to numerous people suffering from overweight and obesity. These drugs could not only help people with a better body image, but they also promised reduction of health consequences of obesity. Unfortunately, these drugs were associated with serious side effects and had to be withdrawn for the following reasons(3 Trusted Source
Rise and fall of anti-obesity drugs

Go to source
):

  • Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine affected the cardiovascular system and were associated with diseases of the heart valves, the formation of fibrous tissue in the heart, and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lung circulation).
  • Rimonabant was withdrawn due to its association with serious brain-related side effects like depression, suicidal tendencies and seizures.
  • Sibutramine has been banned since it caused cardiovascular side effects like heart attack and stroke(3 Trusted Source
    Rise and fall of anti-obesity drugs

    Go to source
    ).
Drugs Used for Weight Loss

Non-steroidal Painkillers - Rofecoxib, Valdecoxib

Rofecoxib and valdecoxib were second generation non-steroidal painkillers. They claimed to provide pain relief without causing stomach ulcers unlike conventional painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen and indomethacin. However, their use was eclipsed with a higher incidence of heart attack and stroke in patients taking the drugs and therefore, they were banned.

Patients taking valdecoxib were also at a higher risk for serious skin reactions. These adverse effects did not support the use of these drugs for pain relief when safer drugs are available(4 Trusted Source
Withdrawal of COX-2 selective inhibitors rofecoxib and valdecoxib: impact on NSAID and gastroprotective drug prescribing and utilization

Go to source
).

Advertisement

Anti-allergy Drugs - Astemizole, Terfenadine

Astemizole and terfenadine belong to a class of edications called antihistamines and were used to prevent and treat allergies. They have been withdrawn because they were linked to a problem with the heart rhythm called torsades de pointes, especially when used along with certain other drugs like erythromycin and ketoconazole(5 Trusted Source
Consensus Statement for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria: A 2017 Update

Go to source
).

Antidiabetes Drugs - Phenformin, Rosiglitazone

Phenformin, an anti-diabetes drug related to metformin, was banned because it caused lactic acidosis, where it increased the pH of the blood. In more recent times, rosiglitazone has been withdrawn because of its associated risk of heart attack(6 Trusted Source
Ban on Manufacture for sale and Distribution of Rosiglitazone and their formulations for human use

Go to source
).

Pioglitazone was suspended for manufacture and sale by the Indian drug regulator in June 2013 due to its association with urinary bladder carcinoma, which was revoked within a short period (July 2013)(7 Trusted Source
Impact of regulatory spin of pioglitazone on prescription of antidiabetic drugs among physicians in India: A multicentre questionnaire-based observational study

Go to source
).

Gastrointestinal Drugs - Cisapride, Tegaserod

  • Cisapride was a drug used in the treatment of acidity and constipation. It had the possibility of causing abnormal heart rhythms when used in high doses or when used along with other drugs like erythromycin and ketoconazole.
  • Tegaserod was another drug acting on the digestive system that was used to treat patients with a condition called irritable bowel syndrome with predominantly constipation. Its association with cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke have prompted its exit(8 Trusted Source
    Cardiovascular safety of prokinetic agents: A focus on drug-induced arrhythmias

    Go to source
    ).

Antibiotic - Gatifloxacin

Gatifloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the class fluoroquinolone, has been banned due to its ability to cause high blood sugar levels when taken either orally or through injection. However, eye drops containing gatifloxacin are still available(9 Trusted Source
Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution for Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Safety, Efficacy and Patient Perspective

Go to source
).

Advertisement

Banned Fixed Dose Drug Combinations in India as of March 2016

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India has banned the manufacture and sale of more than 300 fixed dose drug combinations to prevent the misuse of drugs and to prevent drug resistance(10 Trusted Source
Prohibition of 328 Fixed Dose Combinations by the Central Government vide Gazette notification nos. S.O. 4379 (E) to S.O. 4706(E)

Go to source
).

A gazette notification by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was issued on 10th March 2016 to ban these fixed drug combinations. The list includes common cough syrup solutions, analgesics and antibiotic combinations. Some of these drugs are sold over the counter. In 2014 a committee was set up to review over 6000 drug combinations that had entered the market based only on state regulators approval.

This ban is likely to affect many leading pharmaceutical drug manufacturers such as Pfizer, Abbott, Macleods Pharma and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. Some of these companies have already appealed to the court and received interim injunctions.

Final Verdict as on 12th September 2018

The latest notification banned the manufacture along with the sale, and the distribution of more than 300 fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) under the section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 as advised by the Drug Technical Advisory Board or DTAB(10 Trusted Source
Prohibition of 328 Fixed Dose Combinations by the Central Government vide Gazette notification nos. S.O. 4379 (E) to S.O. 4706(E)

Go to source
).

The reason for this ban is to stop the use of FDCs without a valid reason. Notably, there was no therapeutic justification found when these ingredients were used in combinations. Moreover, these fixed-dose combinations are not logical and may cause a risk to humans.

Advertisement

The complete list of banned drugs(11 Trusted Source
List of Drugs Prohibited for Manufacture and Sale Through Gazette Notifications Under Section 26a of Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare With Their Present Status As On 22.11.2021

Go to source
) -

  1. Aceclofenac (SR) + Paracetamol
  2. Aceclofenac + Paracetamol + Famotidine
  3. Aceclofenac + Paracetamol + Rabeprazole
  4. Aceclofenac + Zinc Carnosine
  5. Acetaminophen + Guaifenesin + Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine
  6. Acetaminophen + Loratadine + Ambroxol + Phenylephrine
  7. Acriflavine + Thymol + Cetrimide
  8. Acrivastine + Paracetamol + Caffeine + Phenylephrine
  9. Albuterol + Bromhexine + Theophylline
  10. Albuterol + Etofylline + Bromhexine + Menthol
  11. Alginic Acid + Sodium Bicarbonate + Dried Aluminium Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide
  12. Allantoin + Dimethieone + Urea + Propylene + Glycerin + Liquid Paraffin
  13. Ambroxol + Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine + Guaiphenesin + Menthol
  14. Ambroxol + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine
  15. Ambroxol + Salbutamol + Choline Theophyllinate + Menthol
  16. Ambroxol + Salbutamol + Theophylline
  17. Ambroxol + Terbutaline + Dextromethorphan
  18. Ambroxol+ Guaiphenesin + Ammonium Chloride + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Menthol
  19. Ammonium Chloride + Dextromethorphan + Cetirizine + Menthol
  20. Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Menthol
  21. Ammonium Citrate + Vitamin B 12 + Folic Acid + Zinc Sulphate
  22. Amoxicillin + Cefixime + Potassium Clavulanic Acid
  23. Amoxicillin + Dicloxacillin
  24. Amoxicillin 250 mg + Potassium Clavulanate Diluted 62.5
  25. Amoxycillin + Dicloxacillin + Serratiopeptidase
  26. Amoxycillin + Tinidazole
  27. Ascorbic Acid + Manadione Sodium Bisulphate + Rutin + Dibasic Calcium Phosphate + Adrenochrome monosemicarbazone
  28. Atorvastatin + Vitamin D3 + Folic Acid + Vitamin B12 + Pyridoxine
  29. Azithromycin + Acebrophylline
  30. Azithromycin + Ambroxol
  31. Azithromycin + Cefixime
  32. Azithromycin + Cefpodoxime
  33. Azithromycin + Levofloxacin
  34. Azithromycin + Ofloxacin
  35. Becloemthasone + Clotrimazole + Chloramphenicol + Gentamycin + Lignocaine Ear drops
  36. Beclomethasone + Clotimazole + Neomycin + lodochlorohydroxyquinone
  37. Beclomethasone + Clotrimazole + Gentamicin + lodochlorhydroxyquinoline
  38. Beclomethasone Diproprionate + Neomycin + Tolnaftate + lodochlorhydroxyquinoline +Chlorocresol
  39. Benfotiamine + Metformin
  40. Benzoxonium Chloride + Lidocaine
  41. Betahistine + Ginkgo Biloba Extract + Vinpocetine + Piracetam
  42. Betamethasone + Fusidic Acid + Gentamycin + Tolnaftate + lodochlorhydroxyquinoline (ICHQ)
  43. Betamethasone + Gentamicin + Tolnaftate + lodochlorhydroxyquinoline
  44. Betamethasone + Gentamycin + Zinc Sulphate + Clotrimoazole + Chlorocresol
  45. Betamethasone + Neomycin + Tolnaftate + lodochlorohydroxyquinoline + Cholorocresol
  46. Borax + Boric Acid + Naphazoline + Menthol + Camphor + Methyl Hydroxy Benzoate
  47. Bromhenxine + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine + Paracetamol
  48. Bromhexine + Cetrizine + Phenylephrine IP+Guaifenesin + Menthol
  49. Bromhexine + Dextromethorphan
  50. Bromhexine + Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Menthol
  51. Bromhexine + Phenylephrine + Chlorepheniramine Maleate
  52. Caffeine + Paracetamol + Chlorpheniramine
  53. Caffeine + Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Cetirizine
  54. Calcium Gluconate + Chlorpheniramine + Vitamin C
  55. Calcium Gluconate + Levocetirizine
  56. Cefixime + Levofloxacin
  57. Cefixime + Linezolid
  58. Cefpodoxime Proxetil + Levofloxacin
  59. Cefuroxime + Linezolid
  60. Cephalexin + Neomycin + Prednisolone
  61. Certirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol + Caffeine + Nimesulide
  62. Cetirizine + Acetaminophen + Dextromethorphan + Phenyephrine + Zinc Gluconate
  63. Cetirizine + Ambroxol + Guaiphenesin + Ammonium Chloride + Phenylephrine + Menthol
  64. Cetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Ambroxol
  65. Cetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Bromhexine + Guaifenesin
  66. Cetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Tulsi
  67. Cetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Zinc Gluconate + Paracetamol + Menthol
  68. Cetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Zinc Gluconate + Menthol
  69. Cetirizine + Diethyl Carbamazine
  70. Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Dextromethorphan + Menthol
  71. Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol + Ambroxol + Caffeine
  72. Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol + Zinc Gluconate
  73. Cetririzine + Nimesulide + Phenylephrine
  74. Chlopheniramine Maleate + Dextromethorphan + Guaiphensin + Phenylephrine
  75. Chloramphenicol + Beclomethasone + Clomitrimazole + Lignocaine
  76. Chloramphennicol + Lignocaine + Betamethasone + Clotrimazole + Ofloxacin + Antipyrine
  77. Chlorphaniramine + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Chloride
  78. Chlorpheniramine + Ammonium Chloride + Chloroform + Menthol
  79. Chlorpheniramine + Ammonium Chloride + Noscapine + Sodium Citrate
  80. Chlorpheniramine + Codeine + Sodium Citrate + Menthol Syrup
  81. Chlorpheniramine + Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol
  82. Chlorpheniramine + Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine + Caffeine
  83. Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine + Caffeine
  84. Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine + Dextromethophan + Menthol
  85. Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol + Zink Gluconate
  86. Chlorpheniramine + Terpin + Antimony Potassium Tartrate + Ammonium Chloride + SodiumCitrate + Menthol
  87. Chlorpheniramine + Vasaka + Tolubalsm + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate + Menthol
  88. Chlorpheniramine + Vitamin C
  89. Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate
  90. Chlorpheniramine+Ammonium Chloride + Menthol
  91. Chlorpromazine + Trihexyphenidyl
  92. Chromium Polynicotinate + Metformin
  93. Cilnidipine + Metoprolol Succinate + Metoprolol Tartrate
  94. Ciprofloxacin + Fluocinolone + Clotrimazole + Neomycin + Chlorocresol
  95. Ciprofloxacin + Fluticasone + Clotrimazole + Neomycin
  96. Ciprofloxacin + Phenazopyridine
  97. Clidinium + Paracetamol + Dicyclomine + Activated Dimethicone
  98. Clindamycin + Clotrimazole + Lactic Acid Bacillus
  99. Clindamycin + Telmisartan
  100. Clobetasol + Gentamicin + Tolnaftate + lodochlorhydroxyquinone + Ketoconazole
  101. Clobetasol + Neomycin + Miconazole + Clotrimazole
  102. Clobetasol + Neomycin + Miconazole + Zinc Sulphate
  103. Clobetasol + Ofloxacin + Ketoconazol + Zinc Sulphate
  104. Clobetasol + Ofloxacin + Miconazole + Zinc Sulphate
  105. Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine
  106. Clobetasole + Gentamicin + Miconazole + Zinc Sulphate
  107. Clomifene Citrate + Ubidecarenone + Zinc + Folic Acid + Methylcobalamin + Pyridoxine + Lycopene+ Selenium + Levocarnitine Tartrate + L-Arginine
  108. Clotrimazole + Beclomethasone + Lignocaine + Ofloxacin + Acetic Aicd + Sodium Methyl Paraben +Propyl Paraben
  109. Clotrimazole + Beclomethasone + Ofloxacin + Lignocaine
  110. Clotrimazole + Ofloxaxin + Lignocaine + Glycerine and Propylene Glycol
  111. Codeine + Chlorpheniramine + Alcohol Syrup
  112. Codeine + Levocetirizine + Menthol
  113. Combikit of 3 tablets of Serratiopeptidase (enteric coated 20000 units) + Diclofenac Potassium & 2 tablets of Doxycycline
  114. Combikit of Azithromycin, Secnidazole and Fluconazole
  115. Combikit of Fluconazole Tablet, Azithromycin Tablet and Ornidazole Tablets
  116. Cyproheptadine + Thiamine
  117. Dextrometharphan + Chlopheniramine + Ammonium Chloride+ Menthol
  118. Dextrometharphan + Chlopheniramine + Ammonium + Sodium Citrate + Menthol
  119. Dextrometharphan + Phenylephrine + Guaiphenesin
  120. Dextromethophan + Chlopheniramine + Bromhexine
  121. Dextromethorphan + Ambroxol + Ammonium Chloride + Chlorpheniramine + Menthol
  122. Dextromethorphan + Ambroxol + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine
  123. Dextromethorphan + Bromhexine + Guaiphenesin
  124. Dextromethorphan + Bromhexine + Guaiphenesin + Menthol
  125. Dextromethorphan + Cetirizine
  126. Dextromethorphan + Cetirizine + Guaifenesin + Ammonium Chloride
  127. Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
  128. Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine + Guaiphenesin
  129. Dextromethorphan + Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine + Zinc
  130. Dextromethorphan + Paracetamol + Cetirizine + Phenylephrine
  131. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Ammonium Chloride + Menthol
  132. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Bromhexine + Guaifenesin + Chlorpheniramine
  133. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Cetirizine + Paracetamol + Caffeine
  134. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Cetirizine + Zinc + Menthol
  135. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Guaifenesin + Certirizine + Acetaminophen
  136. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Guaifenesin + Triprolidine
  137. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Tripolidine + Menthol
  138. Dextromethorphan + Phenylephrine + Zinc Gluconate + Menthol
  139. Dextromethorphan + Tripolidine + Phenylephirine
  140. Dextromethorphan + Triprolidine + Phenylephrine
  141. Dextromethorphen + Bromhexine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Guaiphenesin
  142. Dextromethorphen + Promethazine
  143. Diclofenac + paracetamol + chlorpheniramine maleate + mgnesium Trisillicate
  144. Diclofenac + Paracetamol + Chlorzoxazone + Famotidine
  145. Diclofenac + paracetamol + magnesium Trisilicate
  146. Diclofenac + Paracetamol injection
  147. Diclofenac + Tramadol + Chlorzoxazone
  148. Diclofenac + Tramadol + Paracetamol
  149. Diclofenac + Zinc Carnosine
  150. Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Domperidone
  151. Diethyl Carbamazine + Chlorpheniramine + Guaifenesin
  152. Diethylcabamazine Citrate + Cetirizine + Guaiphenesin
  153. Diethylcarbamazine + Cetirizine + Ambroxol
  154. Diphenhydramine + Guaifenesin + Bromhexine + Ammonium Chloride + Menthol
  155. Diphenhydramine + Guaiphenesin + Ammonium Chloride + Bromhexine
  156. Diphenhydramine + Terpine + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Chloride + Menthol
  157. Diphenoxylate + Atropine + Furazolidonee
  158. Disodium Hydrogen Citrate + Paracetamol
  159. Doxycycline + Serratiopeptidase
  160. Doxylamine + Pyridoxine + Mefenamic Acid + Paracetamol
  161. Dried Alumnium Hydroxie Gel + Prophantheline + Diazepam
  162. Drotaverine + Clidinium + Chlordiazepoxide
  163. Enrofloxacin + Bromhexin
  164. Ergotamine Tartrate + Belladona Dry Extarct+Caffeine + Paracetamol
  165. Ethylmorphine + Noscapine + Chlorpheniramine
  166. Famotidine + Oxytacaine + Magaldrate
  167. Flunarizine + Paracetamole + Domperidone
  168. Flupentixol + Escitalopram
  169. Furazolidone + Metronidazole + Loperamide
  170. Gabapentin + Mecobalamin + Pyridoxine + Thiamine
  171. Gentamicin Sulphate + Clotrimazole + Betamethasone + Lignocaine
  172. Gentamycin + Dexamethasone + Chloramphenicol + Tobramycin + Ofloxacin
  173. Glibenclamide + Metformin (SR)+ Pioglitazone
  174. Gliclazide 40mg + Metformin 400mg
  175. Gliclazide 80 mg + Metformin 325 mg
  176. Glimepiride + Pioglitazone + Metformin
  177. Glimepiride 1mg/2mg/3mg + Pioglitazone 15mg/15mg/15mg + Metformin 1000mg/1000mg/1000mg
  178. Glimepiride 1mg/2mg+ Pioglitazone 15mg/15mg + Metformin 850mg/850mg
  179. Glipizide 2.5mg + Metformin 400 mg
  180. Glucosamine + Methyl Sullfonyl Methane + Vitamin D3 + Manganese + Boron + Copper + Zinc
  181. Guaifenesin + Bromhexine + Chlorpheniramine + Paracetamol
  182. Guaifenesin + Bromhexine + Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol + Serratiopeptidase(as enteric coated granules) 10000 SP Units
  183. Guaifenesin + Dextromethorphan
  184. Guaifenesin + Diphenhydramine + Bromhexine + Phenylephrine
  185. Heparin + Diclofenac
  186. Imipramine + Chlordiazepoxide + Trifluoperazine + Trihexyphenidyl
  187. Ketoconazole + Tea Tree oil + Allantion + Zinc Oxide + Aloe Vera + Jojoba oil +Lavander oil + Soa noodels
  188. Ketotifen + Cetirizine
  189. Ketotifen + Levocetrizine
  190. Ketotifen + Theophylline
  191. L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium + Escitalopram
  192. L-Arginine + Sildenafil
  193. Levocetirizine + Ambroxol + Phenylephrine + Guaiphenesin
  194. Levocetirizine + Ambroxol + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol
  195. Levocetirizine + Dextromethorphan + Zinc
  196. Levocetirizine + Montelukast + Acebrophylline
  197. Levocetirizine + Paracetamol + Phenylephirine + Caffeine
  198. Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine + Ambroxol + Guaiphenesin + Paracetamol
  199. Levocetirizine + Ranitidine
  200. Levofloxacin + Bromhexine
  201. Levofloxacin + Ornidazole + Alpha Tocopherol Acetate
  202. Levothyroxine + Phyridoxine + Nicotinamide
  203. Lignocaine + Clotrimazole + Ofloxacin + Beclomethasone
  204. Lornoxicam + Paracetamol + serratiopeptidase
  205. Lornoxicam + paracetamol + Tramadol
  206. Lornoxicam + paracetamol + trypsin
  207. Magaldrate + Famotidine + Simethicone
  208. Magaldrate + Papain + Fungul Diastase + Simethicone
  209. Magaldrate + Ranitidine + Pancreatin + Domperidone
  210. Mebeverine & Inner HPMC capsule (Streptococcus Faecalis + Clostridium butyricum + Bacillusmesentricus + Lactic Acid Bacillus)
  211. Menthol + Anesthetic Ether
  212. Metformin (SR) 500mg + Pioglitazone 5mg
  213. Metformin (Sustainded Release) 500mg + Pioglitazone 15 mg + Glimepiride 3mg
  214. Metformin + Atorvastatin
  215. Metformin + Bromocriptine
  216. Metformin + Gliclazide + Chromium Polynicotinate
  217. Metformin + Gliclazide + Piogllitazone + Chromium Polynicotinate
  218. Metformin + Glimepiride + Methylcobalamin
  219. Metformin 1000/1000/500/500mg + Pioglitazone 7.5/7.5/7.5/7.5mg + Glimepiride 1/2/1/2mg
  220. Metformin 500mg/500mg+Gliclazide SR 30mg/60mg + Pioglitazone 7.5mg/7.5mg
  221. Metformin 850mg + Pioglitazone 7.5 mg + Glimepiride 1mg
  222. Metformin 850mg + Pioglitazone 7.5 mg + Glimepiride 2mg
  223. Metformin ER + Gliclazide MR + Voglibose
  224. Metronidazole + Norfloxacin
  225. Metronidazole + Tetracycline
  226. N-Acetyl Cysteine + Ambroxol + Phenylephrine + Levocertirizine
  227. Naphazoline + Carboxy Methyl Cellulose + Menthol + Camphor + Phenylephrine
  228. Naphazoline + Chlorpheniramine + Zinc Sulphate + Boric Acid + Sodium Chloride + Chlorobutol
  229. Naproxen + Paracetamol
  230. Neomycin + Doxycycline
  231. Nimesulide + Certirizine + Phenylephrine
  232. Nimesulide + Cetrizine + Caffeine
  233. Nimesulide + Diclofenac
  234. Nimesulide + Dicyclomine
  235. Nimesulide + Loratadine + Phenylephrine + Ambroxol
  236. Nimesulide + Paracetamol + Cetirizine + Phenylephrine
  237. Nimesulide + Paracetamol + Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine + Caffeine
  238. Nimesulide + paracetamol Injection
  239. Nimesulide + Paracetamol Suspension
  240. Nimesulide + Phenylephrine + Caffeine + Levocetirizine
  241. Nimesulide + Pitofenone + Fenpiverinium + Benzyl Alcohol
  242. Nimesulide + Serratiopeptidase
  243. Nimesulide + Tizanidine
  244. Nimorazole + Ofloxacin
  245. Norfloxacin+ Metronidazole + Zinc Acetate
  246. Oflaxacin + Ornidazole Suspension
  247. Ofloxacin + Clotrimazole + Betamethasone + Lignocaine
  248. Ofloxacin + Metronidazole + Zinc Acetate
  249. Ofloxacin + Nitazoxanide
  250. Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Zinc Bisglycinate
  251. Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide + Chlorthalidone
  252. Omepraozle + Paracetmaol+ Diclofenac
  253. Oxetacaine + Magaldrate + Famotidine
  254. Pantoprazole (as Enteric Coated Tablet) + Zinc Carnosine (as Film Coated Tablets)
  255. Paracetamol + Ambroxol + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine
  256. Paracetamol + Caffeine + Codeine
  257. Paracetamol + Caffine + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine
  258. Paracetamol + Cetrizine + Caffeine
  259. Paracetamol + Chlorpheniramine + Ambroxol + Guaifenesin + Phenylephrine
  260. Paracetamol + Codeine + Chlorpheniramine
  261. Paracetamol + Dextromethorphan + Bromhexine + Phenylephrine + Diphenhydramine
  262. Paracetamol + Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine
  263. Paracetamol + Diclofenac + famotidine
  264. Paracetamol + Disodium Hydrogen Citrate + Caffeine
  265. Paracetamol + DL Methionine
  266. Paracetamol + domperidone + Caffeine
  267. Paracetamol + Levocetirizine + Phenylephirine + Zink Gluconate
  268. Paracetamol + Levocetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
  269. Paracetamol + Loratadine + Dextromethophan + Pseudoepheridine + Caffeine
  270. Paracetamol + Loratadine + Phenylephrine + Dextromethorphan + Caffeine
  271. Paracetamol + mefenamic Acid + ranitidine + Dicyclomine
  272. Paracetamol + Pheniramine
  273. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheneramine + Dextromethorphan + caffeine
  274. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine + Zinc Gluconate
  275. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Desloratadine + Zinc Gluconate + Ambroxol
  276. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Levocetirizine + Caffeine
  277. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Triprolidine
  278. Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Triprolidine + Caffeine
  279. Paracetamol + Prochloperazine
  280. Paracetamol + Prochlorperazine Maleate
  281. Paracetamol + Promethazine
  282. Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine
  283. Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine + Cetrizine
  284. Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine + Dextromethorphan + Cetirizine
  285. Paracetamol + Tapentadol
  286. Paracetamol+Phenylephrine+Levocetirizine+Sodium Citrate
  287. Paracetamol+Pseudoephedrine+Certirizine+Caffeine
  288. Permethrin + Cetrimide + Menthol
  289. phenylbutazone + sodium salicylate
  290. Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine + Paracetamol + Bromhexine + Caffeine
  291. Pholcodine + Phenylephrine + Promethazine
  292. Pioglitazone 15mg + Metformin 850 mg
  293. Pioglitazone 30 mg + Metformin 500 mg
  294. Pioglitazone 7.5/7.5mg + Metformin 500/1000mg
  295. Pseudoephedrine + Bromhexine
  296. Pseudoephedrine + Cetirizine
  297. Pseudoephedrine + Dextromethorphan + Cetirizine
  298. Rabeprazole + Diclofenac + Paracetamol
  299. Rabeprazole + Zinc + Domperidone
  300. Rabeprazole + Zinc Carnosine
  301. Ranitidine + Domperidone + Simethicone
  302. Ranitidine + Magaldrate
  303. Ranitidine + Magaldrate + Simethicone
  304. Roxithromycin + Serratiopeptidase
  305. Salbutamol + Aminophylline + Guaiphensin
  306. Salbutamol + Bromhexine + Guaiphenesin + Menthol
  307. Salbutamol + Certirizine + Ambroxol
  308. Salbutamol + Choline Theophylinate + Ambroxol
  309. Salbutamol + Choline Theophylinate + Carbocisteine
  310. Salbutamol + Theophylline + Bromhexine
  311. Salbutamol+Hydroxyethyltheophylline (Etofylline) + Bromhexine
  312. Sildenafil + Estradiol Valerate
  313. Tamsulosin + Diclofenac
  314. Telmisartan + Metformin
  315. Terbutaline + Ambroxol + Guaiphenesin + Zinc + Menthol
  316. Terbutaline + Bromhexine + Etofylline
  317. Terbutaline + Bromhexine + Guaiphenesin + Dextromethorphan
  318. Terbutaline + Etofylline + Ambroxol
  319. Terbutaline + N-Acetyl L-Cysteine + Guaifenesin
  320. Terpinhydrate + Dextromethorphan + Menthol
  321. Thyroid + Thiamine + Riboflavin + Phyridoxine + Calcium Pantothenate + Tocopheryl Acetate +Nicotinamide
  322. Thyroxine + Pyridoxine + Folic Acid
  323. Tranexamic Acid + Proanthocyanidin
  324. Ursodeoxycholic Acid + Silymarin
  325. Voglibose + Pioglitazone + Metformin
  326. Voglibose+ Metformin + Chromium Picolinate
  327. Zinc Carnosine + Magnesium Hydroxide + Dried Aluminium Hydroxide + Simethicone
  328. Zinc Carnosine + Oxetacaine
  329. Zinc Carnosine + Sucralfate

List of Drugs Banned in 2019(11 Trusted Source
List of Drugs Prohibited for Manufacture and Sale Through Gazette Notifications Under Section 26a of Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare With Their Present Status As On 22.11.2021

Go to source
)

  • Activated charcoal + Fungal diastase + Lactic acid
  • 5-bromosalicyl-4-chloranilide + Salicylic acid
  • Allobarbitone + Phospho-dimethyl-isopropyl-pyrazolone
  • Artesunate + Arteether + Artemether
  • Atorvastatin + Acetyl Salicylic acid + Caffeine
  • Chlormezanone + Paracetamol+ Diclofenac sodium
  • Chlormezanone +Paracetamol + Ibuprofen
  • Chlorzoxazone + Ibuprofen + Paracetamol + Diclofenac + Oxyphenbutazone + Magnesium hydroxide
  • Chlorzoxazone + Paracetamol + Ibuprofen + Diclofenac sodium
  • Ciprofloxacin + Tinidazole + Dicyclomine
  • Dicyclomine + Dextromethorphan + Paracetamol
  • Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Chlordiazepoxide
  • Dicyclomine +Paracetamol +Phenylisopropyl Pyrazolone
  • Dicyclomine + Serratiopeptidase
  • Ibuprofen + Colchicine
  • Ibuprofen + Dextropropoxyphene + Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen + Paracetamol + Colchicine
  • Ibuprofen + Paracetamol+ Magnesium trisilicate
  • Mebeverine + Alprazolam
  • Mecobalamin + Methenamine mandelate
  • Norfloxacin +Tinidazole +Dicyclomine
  • Norfloxacin+Tinidazole+Loperamide
  • Ondansetron +Paracetamol
  • Paracetamol + Alprazolam
  • Paracetamol + Diclofenac Sodium + Amoxicillin + Cloxacillin + Pantoprazole + Lactic Acid Bacillus + Serratiopeptidase
  • Paracetamol + Diclofenac sodium + Magnesium Trisilicate + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
  • Paracetamol + Ketoprofen + Dextropropoxyphene
  • Ranitidine + Dicyclomine + Clidinium bromide
  • Ranitidine + Omeprazole
  • Acriflavine + Gentian violet + Brilliant green
  • Allantoin + Triclosan + Vitamin E + Zinc Oxide
  • Allantoin + Vitamin E + Camellia Sinensis
  • Atorvastatin + Omega 3 Fatty Acid 250mg
  • Atorvastatin + Ubidecarenone
  • Cefixime + Lactobacillus + Clavulanic Acid
  • Cefixime + Ornidazole
  • Ceftriaxone + Vancomycin
  • Cefuroxime + Ornidazole
  • Diclofenac + Pitofenone Hydrochloride + Fenpiverinium Bromide + Paracetamol
  • Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Dextropropoxyphene + Chlordiazepoxide
  • Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Dimethylpolysiloxane
  • Dicyclomine + Paracetamol+ Simethicone
  • Doxycycline + Tinidazole
  • Drotaverine + Omeprazole
  • Fenpiverinium Bromide + Diclofenac sodium + Pitofenone hydrochloride
  • Glucosamine + Ascorbic Acid
  • Glucosamine + Boswellia Serrata
  • Glucosamine + Calcium Carbonate
  • Glucosamine + Cetyl Myristate Oleate
  • Glucosamine + Chondroitin sulphate +Methyl sulfonyl methane
  • Glucosamine + Chondroitin sulphate + Vitamin C+ manganese
  • Glucosamine + Chondroitin + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Manganese
  • Glucosamine + Chondroitin + Vitamin C
  • Glucosamine + Chondroitin + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Manganese sulphate + Sodium borate + Selenium dioxide
  • Glucosamine + Cholecalciferol + Manganese + Ascorbic acid
  • Glucosamine + Manganese
  • Glucosamine +Mecobalamin + Dimethyl Sulfone
  • Glucosamine + Mecobalamin
  • Glucosamine + Mecobalamin + Milk calcium
  • Glucosamine + Methyl sulfonyl methane
  • Glucosamine + Methyl sulfonyl methane + Cetyl Myristate
  • Glucosamine + Vitamin C + Calcium + Methyl Sulfonyl Methane + Chondroitin + Manganese
  • Glucosamine + Vitamin C+ Vitamin E + Chondroitin sulphate + Methyl sulfonyl methane + Manganese sulphate
  • Glucosamine sulphate + Chondroitin sulphate + Vitamin E + Manganese
  • Glucosamine + Calcium + Vitamin D3
  • Ornidazole + Doxycycline
  • Ornidazole + Fluconazole + Azithromycin
  • Propranolol + Hydralazine
  • Propranolol + Hydrochlorothiazide + Dihydralazine
  • Ranitidine + Dicyclomine + Nimesulide
  • Ranitidine + Dicycloverine + Simethicone
  • Ranitidine + Drotaverine
  • Telmisartan + Ramipril + Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Ibuprofen + Paracetamol+ Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine maleate
  • Nimesulide + Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine maleate + Caffeine
  • Nimesulide + Pitofenone + Fenpiverinium Bromide
  • Nimesulide+ Pseudoephedrine + Cetirizine
  • Ofloxacin + Diclofenac + Lignocaine
  • Ondansetron + Omeprazole
  • Hydrochlorothiazide + Ramipril +Losartan Potassium

Fixed dose compositions of corticosteroids with any other drug [excluding Tamsulosin HCl 0.4mg (as film coated modified release tablet) + Deflazacort 30mg in hard gelatin capsule] for internal use, except formulations for meter dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers.

List of Cough Syrups Banned in India

  • Promethazine Oral Solution
  • Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup
  • Makoff Baby Cough Syrup
  • Magrip N Cold Syrup

This WHO Medical Product Alert concerns four subpar goods discovered in The Gambia and submitted to WHO in September 2022. Substandard medical items are products that fail to satisfy either their quality standards or specifications and are, therefore "out of specification".The four products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup. The stated manufacturer of these products is Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited (Haryana, India). The claimed producer has not yet given WHO any assurances regarding the reliability and safety of these products.

Laboratory examination of samples from each of the four items reveals impurities such as diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol at prohibited concentrations. These four products have so far only been found in The Gambia, but they may have travelled to other nations or areas via unofficial markets. When ingested by humans, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are poisonous and can be fatal. Toxic consequences can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, changed mental state, and acute kidney injury, which can result in death(12 Trusted Source
Substandard (contaminated) paediatric medicines

Go to source
).

Drugs Banned in other Countries but Available in India

Several drugs that are prohibited or withdrawn from other countries like the United States are still widely available in India. Some of these include the following:

Painkillers - Oxyphenbutazone, Nimesulide, Propoxyphene

  • Oxyphenbutazone is a non-opioid painkiller that has been banned in many countries since it causes bone marrow depression thereby reducing the number of blood cells in the body, and other side effects. Its combination with any other drug is banned in India though it is available as a single drug(13 Trusted Source
    Oxyphenbutazone

    Go to source
    ).
  • Nimesulide is a non-opioid painkiller that was found to cause liver failure and was never introduced in the US. Children with viral infection were particularly susceptible to this adverse effect of nimesulide. In India, its use in children below 12 years of age is banned though it can be used in adults(14 Trusted Source
    Use of nimesulide in Indian children must be stopped

    Go to source
    ).
  • Propoxyphene is an opioid painkiller that may alter the electrical activity of the heart, causing problems in heart rhythm. It is not banned in India(15 Trusted Source
    Propoxyphene and the Risk of Out-of-Hospital Death

    Go to source
    ).

Antibacterials - Furazolidone, Nitrofurazone

  • Furazolidone is used in the treatment of diarrhea caused by bacteria or protozoa, alone or in combination with another drug, metronidazole. Studies indicate that its use has a possibility of causing cancer, and it is therefore not used in several countries. In India, only its combination with loperamide, an anti-motility drug used in the treatment of diarrhea, is banned(16 Trusted Source
    Furazolidone therapy for Helicobacter pylori: Is it effective and safe?

    Go to source
    ).
  • Nitrofurazone is a topically used antibacterial similar to furazolidone and therefore, could also possibly cause cancer. It is banned in some countries, but not yet in India(17 Trusted Source
    Detection, accumulation and distribution of nitrofuran residues in egg yolk, albumen and shell

    Go to source
    ).

Anabolic Steroid - Nandrolone decanoate

Nandrolone decanoate is a drug that is used in the treatment of anemia due to kidney disease and osteoporosis. The drug is commonly abused by athletes to build muscle mass. It has been discontinued in the United States but is still used in India(18 Trusted Source
Anabolic Steroids

Go to source
).

Drugs Acting on the Brain - Thioridazine, Pergolide, Pemoline

  • Thioridazine is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of conditions like schizophrenia. Its side effects include abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia, eye damage, and a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome where the patient suffers from high temperature and muscle rigidity. It continues to be available in India(19 Trusted Source
    Discontinuation of thioridazine

    Go to source
    ).
  • Pergolide is a drug used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects the nervous system resulting in stiffness and tremors. For a long time, levodopa and carbidopa were the only drugs effective in this condition. The availability of new drugs provided hope for the patients. Pergolide was among these newer drugs, however it had to be withdrawn because it caused damage to heart valves(20 Trusted Source
    Pergolide

    Go to source
    ).
  • Pemoline, a drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has been withdrawn in the United States due to its liver toxicity risk. However, it is not discontinued in India(21 Trusted Source
    Pemoline

    Go to source
    ).

Cholesterol Lowering Drug - Cerivastatin

Cerivastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug that caused several cases of rhabdomyolysis (destruction of skeletal muscles). With this side effect, patients suffered from damage to muscles followed by kidney failure. Unfortunately, it is still available in India(22 Trusted Source
Withdrawal of cerivastatin from the world market

Go to source
).

Constipation - Phenolphthalein

Phenolphthalein belongs to a group of drugs called stimulant purgative, which are useful in the treatment of constipation. Studies in mice have indicated that its use may be associated with cancer or genetic damage, due to which it is not available in several countries. Though available in India, it is not frequently used(23 Trusted Source
Case series on a diversity of illicit weight-reducing agents: from the well known to the unexpected

Go to source
).

Human Placental Extract

The human placental extract is derived from the placenta obtained during delivery of a baby and finds use in the cosmetic industry. As other tissues of human origin, it may transmit infections like hepatitis B and HIV if adequate precautions are not taken, and is therefore not used in several countries. It is only allowed for two conditions in India - to be used locally for wound healing, and to be injected for pelvic inflammatory disease(24 Trusted Source
Final report on the safety assessment of human placental protein, hydrolyzed human placental protein, human placental enzymes, human placental lipids, human umbilical extract, placental protein, hydrolyzed placental protein, placental enzymes, placental lipids, and umbilical extract

Go to source
).

Latest Publications and Research on Banned Drugs / Drugs Banned in India / List of Banned Drugs

Advertisement
Recommended Reading