Ministry of Health prohibited 344 drugs, including Corex

Ministry of Health has banned about 344 drugs fixed combinations of drugs, including cough syrups compositions, saying involving "risk" for humans and safer alternatives were available.

The drug prohibition takes effect immediately and the ministry has come out with a newsletter reporting on the issue.

"In total, 344 such fixed dose combinations have been banned. We tried to objectivity to the subject by roping at best scientists to study the effects.

"Show cause notices were issued also to over 344 companies and given time to make other arrangements after the expert committee gave its recommendations," said an official from the Ministry of Health.

"Some of them do not even want to answer. Everyone was given ample opportunity. After that, the movement started. It is done after much consideration," the official said.

According to the notification, the matter has been examined by an expert committee appointed by the central government ministry of health.

"Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the Central Government is convinced that it is all-important and adapted in the accessible interest to regulate through the ban on the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of such drugs in the country, "said the notice.

The 344 prohibited drugs include fixed-dose combination of codeine syrup Chlopheniramine maleate and sold under the popular brand cough syrup Corex.

Following the government ban, major pharmaceutical Pfizer has discontinued the manufacture and sale of Corex with immediate effect.

"This is to acquaint you that the Government of India vide notification ... March 10, 2016 ... has banned the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of fixed-dose combination of drugs maleate Chlopheniramine Syrup + codeine with immediate effect.

"In appearance of this, the company has decided to put an end to the manufacture and sale of its drug Corex with immediate effect," Pfizer said in a BSE filing today.

Fixed dose combination are combinations of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form.