Govt bans over-the-counter sale of cough syrups

IThe Union Government in New Delhi has disallowed with immediate effect over-the-counter sale of cough syrups, making a valid prescription by certified doctors and medical practitioners compulsory for their purchase from licensed pharmacies

New Delhi: The Union Government in New Delhi has disallowed with immediate effect over-the-counter sale of cough syrups, making a valid prescription by certified doctors and medical practitioners compulsory for their purchase from licensed pharmacies.

In a statement released today, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said it has notified an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, vide Gazette Notification G.S.R. 927 (E) dated 29th December 2025, omitting the word “Syrup” from Schedule K, Serial No. 13, Entry 7 under the heading “Class of Drugs”.

Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945 provides exemptions from certain provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder for specified classes of drugs.

Prior to this amendment, Entry No. 13 of Schedule K permitted the sale of cough syrups in villages with a population of less than 1,000 without requiring compliance with certain retail sale licensing provisions.

"With the omission of the word “Syrup” from the said entry, this exemption will no longer be available for cough syrups", the Ministry said.

"Consequently, the sale and dispensing of cough syrups in smaller villages will now be required to take place only through duly licensed pharmacies in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules framed thereunder", the ministry said in the statement released today.

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