Top 10 commonly used medication now banned in India

Chennai

The Indian government on 14th of March, 2016 banned 344 fixed drug combinations (FDC). This resulted in various over-the-counter drugs to be banned.

What is FDC?

A combination drug is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) or two drugs combined together to form a single drug. This is done by drug manufactures to keep the cost of the medicine low and to treat as many problems they can. However, these drugs have known to cause serious side effects.

The Health Ministry in India has banned 344 drug combinations which has caused a lot of worry for these big drug manufacturers. Some of the major over-the-counter drugs that may be banned in India are:

Vicks Action 500 Extra, Crocin Cold, D-Cold Total: This drug contains Paracetamol, Phenylephrine and Caffeine. This is one of the commonly used drug to counter cold, cough and headache. Overuse of Vicks Action 500 extra is said to lead to renal failure, hypertension and a number of complications with the heart.

Gemer P: A popular drug among diabetic patients, this is said to have Pioglitazone, Glimepiride and Metformin. This anti-diabetic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes in certain patients. Excessive use of this drug can lead to congestive heart failure, anaemia, muscle pain and liver damage.

Taxim AZ: This is another commonly used drug in the treatment of infections of ear, nose, sinuses, throat, chest, lungs and urinary system. The drug contains Azithromycin and Cefixime. Overuse of this drug may lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, joint pain, skin rashes with itching and kidney dysfunction.

Zerodol P: This is an over-the-counter drug commonly used for headaches, fever and body pain. The drug is a combination of Paracetamol and Aceclofenac. Continuous usage of this drug is said to cause nausea, stomach upset, skin rash and acute toxicity may result in liver failure.

Ascoril range of cough syrups, Phensedyl and Corex: These are some of the most popularly used cough syrups. They constitute of Chlorpheniramine, Maleate and Codeine. It is commonly used for dry cough and cough with phlegm. Excessive usage of these cough syrup is said to cause short term memory loss, sleeplessness, tremors and spasms. Muscular pains and dehydration are other common side-effects.

Sumo: This is commonly prescribed for painful inflammatory conditions, back pain, postoperative pain and fever. This is a combination of Nimesulide and Paracetamol. Overuse of this drug may lead to Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Central Nervous System problems.