Govt Bans 156 Medicines Including Antibiotics: Painkillers and Multivitamins

Government Bans 156 Medicines Including Antibiotics

Govt bans 156 medicines including antibiotics: In a sweeping move to ensure public safety and regulate the pharmaceutical industry, the Indian government has announced a ban on 156 medicines, including a variety of antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins. This decision, published via a Gazette notification, targets fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs that the expert committee found lacking in therapeutic justification. FDC drugs combine two or more active drugs in a single dosage form.

Govt Bans 156 Medicines Including Antibiotics: painkillers, and multivitamins.

SN	Banned Medicine
1	Amylase + Protease + Glucoamylase + Pectinase + Alpha Galactosidase + Lactase + Beta-Gluconase + Cellulase + Lipase + Bromelain + Xylanase + Hemicellulase + Malt diastase + Invertase + Papain
2	Antimony Potassium Tartrate + Dried Ferrous Sulphate
3	Benfotiamine + Silymarin + L-Ornithine L-aspartate + Sodium Selenite + Folic acid + Pyridoxine hydrochloride
4	Bismuth Ammonium Citrate + Papain
5	Cyproheptadine HCl + Thiamine HCl + Riboflavine + Pyridoxine HCl + Niacinamide
6	Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride + Tricholine Citrate + Thiamine Hydrochloride + Riboflavine + Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
7	Rabeprazole Sodium (As enteric coated tablet) + Clidinium Bromide + Dicyclomine HCl + Chlordiazepoxide
8	Fungal Diastase + Papain + Nux vomica Tincture + Cardamom Tincture + Casein Hydrolysed + Alcohol
9	Mefenamic Acid + Paracetamol Injection
10	Omeprazole Magnesium + Dicyclomine HCl
11	S-adenosyl methionine + Metadoxine + Ursodeoxycholic acid BP + L-Methylfolate Calcium + Choline bitartrate + Silymarin + L-ornithine L-aspartate + Inositol + Taurine
12	Silymarin + Thiamine Mononitrate + Riboflavin + Pyridoxine HCl + Niacinamide + Calcium pantothenate + Vitamin B12
13	Silymarin + Pyridoxine HCl + Cyanocobalamin + Niacinamide + Folic Acid
14	Silymarin + Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12 + Niacinamide + Folic acid + Tricholine Citrate
15	Sodium Citrate + Citric Acid Monohydrate Flavored with Cardamom Oil, Caraway Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Clove Oil, Ginger Oil + Alcohol
16	Sucralfate + Acelofenac
17	Sucralfate + Domperidone + Dimethicone
18	Sucralfate + Domperidone
19	Tincture Ipecacuanha + Tincture Urgenia + Camphorated Opium Tincture + Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia + Chloroform + Alcohol
20	Ursodeoxycholic Acid + Metformin HCl
21	Weak Ginger tincture + Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia + Peppermint Spirit + Chloroform + Sodium Bicarbonate + Compound Cardamom + Alcohol
22	Sucralfate + Pantoprazole Sodium + Zinc Gluconate + Light Magnesium Carbonate
23	Aloe + Vitamin E Soap
24	Povidone Iodine + Metronidazole + Aloe
25	Azelaic acid + Tea Tree Oil + Salicylic acid + Allantoin + Zinc oxide + Aloe vera + Jojoba oil + Vitamin E + Soap noodles
26	Azithromycin + Adapalene
27	Calamine + Aloes + Allantoin
28	Calamine + Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Aloe + Glycerine + Camphor
29	Chlorphenesin + Zinc oxide + Starch
30	Clindamycin Phosphate + Zinc acetate
31	Gamma Benzene Hexachloride + Benzocaine
32	Glucosamine hydrochloride + Diacerein + Menthol + Camphor + Capsaicin
33	Hydroxyquinone 2.0% w/w + Octyl Methoxycinnamate 5.0% w/w + Oxybenzone 30 % w/w
34	Ketoconazole + Zinc Pyrithione + D-Panthenol + Tea Tree Oil + Aloes
35	Ketoconazole + Aloe vera + Vitamin A Acetate
36	Ketoconazole + Aloes + ZPTO
37	Kojic Acid + Arbutin + Octinoxate + Vitamin E + Mulberry
38	Lornoxicam + capsaicin + menthol + camphor
39	Lornoxicam + Thiocolchicoside + Oleum Lini + Menthol + Methyl salicylate
40	Menthol + Aloe vera Topical Spray
41	Menthol + Lignocaine HCl + Aloe vera gel + Clotrimazole + Diphenhydramine
42	Miconazole nitrate + Gentamicin + Fluocinolone Acetonide + Zinc Sulphate
43	Miconazole + Tinidazole
44	Minoxidil + Aminexil + Alcohol
45	Minoxidil + Azelaic acid + saw palmetto
46	Minoxidil + Aminexil
47	Pine Bark extract + Kojic acid + Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
48	Povidone Iodine + Tinidazole + Zinc sulphate
49	Povidone Iodine + Ornidazole + Dexpanthenol
50	Salicylic acid + Aloe vera + Allantoin + D-Panthenol
51	Silver sulphadiazine + Chlorhexidine Gluconate solution + Allantoin + Aloe vera gel + Vitamin E acetate
52	Sodium salicylate + Zinc gluconate + Pyridoxine HCl
53	Tetracycline + Colistin Sulphate
54	Clomiphene + Ubidecarenone
55	Combikit of Clomiphene Citrate + Estradiol Valerate
56	Flavoxate HCl + Ofloxacin
57	Clomiphene Citrate + N-Acetylcysteine
58	Primerose Oil + Cod liver oil
59	Sildenafil Citrate + Papaverine + L-Arginine
60	Tranexamic acid + Mefenamic acid + Vitamin K1
61	Divalproex Sodium + Oxcarbazepine
62	Divalproex Sodium + Levetiracetam
63	Ergotamine tartrate + Caffeine + Paracetamol + Prochlorperazine maleate
64	Piracetam + Ginkgo biloba extracts + Vinpocetin
65	Ginkgo biloba + methylcobalamin
66	Ginkgo biloba + methylcobalamin + Alpha lipoic acid + Pyridoxine HCl
67	Ginseng Extract + Dried extract of Ginkgo Biloba
68	Meclizine HCl + Paracetamol + Caffeine
69	Nicergoline + Vinpocetine
70	Gamma Linolenic Acid + Methylcobalamin
71	Beclomethasone Dipropionate + Neomycin Sulphate + Clotrimazole + Lignocaine HCl
72	Boric acid + Phenylephrine HCl + Naphazoline Nitrate + Menthol + Camphor
73	Naphazoline HCl + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Zinc Sulphate + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose
74	Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Naphazoline HCl + Zinc Sulphate + Sodium Chloride + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose
75	Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Naphazoline HCl + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose
76	Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Sodium Chloride + Boric Acid + Tetrahydrozoline HCl
77	Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine HCl + Antipyrine
78	Ketorolac Tromethamine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine HCl + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose
79	Ketorolac Tromethamine + Flurometholone
80	Naphazoline HCl + Zinc Sulphate + Boric Acid + Sodium Chloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
81	Naphazoline HCl + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose + Boric Acid + Borax + Menthol + Camphor
82	Naphazoline HCl + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
83	Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Menthol + Camphor
84	Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Sodium Chloride + Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose
85	Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Sodium Chloride + Methylparaben
86	Methenamine + Sodium Benzoate + Benzyl Alcohol
87	Paracetamol + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
88	Paracetamol + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Caffeine
89	Propoxyphene + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
90	Propoxyphene + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
91	Propoxyphene + Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
92	Sodium Benzoate + Sodium Citrate + Citric Acid
93	Vitamin A Palmitate + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12
94	Vitamin A Palmitate + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Niacinamide
95	Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12 + Vitamin C
96	Vitamin B6 + Vitamin B12 + Niacinamide
97	Vitamin B12 + Vitamin B6 + Vitamin C + Folic Acid
98	Vitamin B12 + Vitamin B6 + Niacinamide + Folic Acid
99	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Niacinamide
100	Vitamin D + Calcium + Magnesium
101	Vitamin D + Calcium + Magnesium + Zinc
102	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K
103	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Zinc
104	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Magnesium
105	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Magnesium + Zinc
106	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Niacinamide
107	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Folic Acid
108	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Biotin
109	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin B12
110	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Folic Acid
111	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Biotin
112	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Vitamin B12
113	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Zinc
114	Calcium + Vitamin D + Omega-3 Fatty Acids
115	Calcium + Vitamin D + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K
116	Calcium + Vitamin D + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Magnesium
117	Calcium + Vitamin D + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Zinc
118	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene
119	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene + Zinc
120	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene
121	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene + Zinc
122	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Selenium
123	Vitamin D + Calcium + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids
124	Vitamin D + Calcium + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Magnesium
125	Vitamin D + Calcium + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Zinc
126	Vitamin D + Calcium + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Biotin
127	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Selenium
128	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Zinc
129	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Selenium
130	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Biotin
131	Vitamin E + Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Folic Acid + Niacinamide
132	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Beta-Carotene + Zinc
133	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Biotin + Folic Acid
134	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene + Folic Acid
135	Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Beta-Carotene + Selenium
136	Vitamin E + Vitamin C + Beta-Carotene + Biotin
137	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K +
138	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Selenium
139	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Vitamin B12
140	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Vitamin B6
141	Vitamin D + Calcium + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin K + Folate
142	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids
143	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Vitamin K + Biotin
144	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Vitamin K + Selenium
145	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Vitamin K + Vitamin B12
146	Calcium + Vitamin D + Magnesium + Vitamin K + Folate
147	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin B6
148	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin B12
149	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Folic Acid
150	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Biotin
151	Calcium + Vitamin D + Vitamin K + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Selenium
152	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Omega-3 Fatty Acids
153	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Zinc
154	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Biotin
155	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Selenium
156	Vitamin A + Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Vitamin B12

Fixed-dose combination drugs are formulations that include two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients. They are designed to aid in patient compliance by reducing the number of pills a patient needs to take, thus simplifying treatment regimens. However, concerns arise when the therapeutic benefits of combining certain medications are unsubstantiated or when such combinations pose potential health risks. These factors prompted a rigorous review by government-appointed health authorities, leading to the recent prohibitive measures.

Impact of the Ban on Public Health

The government’s decision to ban 156 medicines has significant implications for public health. This move aims to eliminate potentially harmful fixed-dose combination drugs which were deemed unsafe or lacking therapeutic justification. However, it raises concerns about the immediate availability of essential medications for those who rely on them.

Concerns about Availability of Essential Medications

The sudden removal of certain medicines might lead to shortages, forcing patients and healthcare providers to seek alternative treatments. This transition could be challenging especially in rural or underserved areas where access to a wide range of medications is already limited.

Implications for Individuals Dependent on the Banned Drugs

For patients who have been relying on these now-banned drugs, the ban poses immediate health risks. These individuals might experience worsening of their conditions if suitable alternatives are not readily available. Additionally, switching medications can often come with an adaptation period, during which the effectiveness of the new medication is uncertain.

Details of the Banned Medicines

Delving into the specifics, the banned list affects a wide range of commonly used drugs, including antibiotics, painkillers, and multivitamins.

List of Antibiotics No Longer Available

Several popular antibiotics used to treat a variety of bacterial infections have been banned. This includes some antibiotics that were available as fixed-dose combinations, intended to target multiple pathogens.

Painkillers Omitted from the Market

The ban also affects numerous painkillers which were routinely used by individuals suffering from chronic or acute pain. Patients might now have to consult their healthcare providers to find alternative pain management solutions.

Multivitamins Removed from Shelves

A variety of multivitamins that many people use daily for better health and prevention of nutrient deficiencies have also been prohibited. This could impact the overall nutrition intake especially in populations that depend on these supplements for essential nutrients.

Regulatory Measures by the Government

Expert Committee’s Role in the Ban Decision

The decision to ban the 156 medicines, including antibiotics and painkillers, was heavily influenced by an expert committee appointed by the government. This committee, consisting of healthcare professionals and policymakers, evaluated the safety and efficacy of these fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. Their assessment found that many of these combinations lacked therapeutic justification, leading to their recommendation to enforce the ban for public safety.

Union Health Ministry’s Directives on Medication Usage

Following the expert committee’s recommendations, the Union Health Ministry issued specific directives regarding the use of these medications. These directives aim to regulate and phase out the use of non-essential and potentially harmful fixed-dose combinations in the market, thus guiding healthcare providers towards prescribing safer and more effective alternatives.

Significance of Gazette Notification in Implementing the Ban

The official ban on these medicines was implemented through a Gazette Notification, a formal communication tool used by the government to announce new laws and regulations. This notification makes the ban legally binding and ensures that all stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and pharmacies, comply with the new regulations.

Govt Bans 156 Medicines Including Antibiotics: Public Awareness and Safety

Thoughts on the Therapeutic Justification Behind the Ban

The ban primarily stems from the lack of therapeutic justification for many of the FDC drugs. This means that the combination of drugs in a single dose did not provide additional health benefits and, in some cases, posed health risks. The government’s proactive stance highlights its commitment to ensuring that only medically justified and safe medicines are available to the public.

Patient Education Regarding Alternative Medications

With the ban in place, there is a vital need to educate patients about alternative medications that are safe and effective. Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss alternative treatments, ensuring patients understand the reasons for the ban and the benefits of switching to other approved medications. This approach helps maintain trust in the healthcare system while ensuring patient safety and well-being.

Govt bans 156 medicines including antibiotics: Conclusion

The Indian government’s decision to ban 156 fixed-dose combination drugs has significant implications for both healthcare providers and patients. This intervention prioritizes patient safety and aims to streamline drug usage according to global medical standards.

Overall Impact on Healthcare Delivery

The removal of these medications could initially disrupt the availability of certain treatments, potentially leading to the need for alternative therapeutic solutions. However, in the long term, this move is expected to enhance the overall quality of healthcare by ensuring that only clinically justified and safely combined medications are available in the market. This would not only reduce the risks of side effects but also protect consumers from ineffective treatments.

Future Implications of the Ban on Drug Regulations

Looking forward, this ban on certain fixed-dose combination drugs may influence future drug approvals and regulations. The enforcement of stricter guidelines may lead to:

– Increased scrutiny of new drug applications, emphasizing safety and efficacy.

– A shift in pharmaceutical R&D towards more innovative and therapeutically justified combinations.

– Enhanced public trust in the drug regulatory system due to increased transparency and safety protocols.

This progressive step by the government could potentially set a new precedent in pharmaceutical regulation, promoting a safer and more effective drug market.