16 drug combinations banned by Centre over safety concerns NEW DELHI: The Centre has banned 16 fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicines, including certain antibiotic, pain-relief and skin-treatment products, after expert panels found that they lacked therapeutic justification and were not supported by scientific evidence.The health ministry on Friday prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of these medicines with immediate effect under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.The action follows a Supreme Court-directed review of fixed-dose combinations sold in the country. As part of the exercise, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) set up an expert committee to examine whether such drug combinations were scientifically justified and safe for patients.Based on the committee’s recommendations, the government concluded that 16 combinations were irrational and that their continued use was not considered beneficial in relation to the potential risks involved.The banned products include combinations containing antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime and cefadroxyl, medicines used for pain relief and abdominal cramps, and several aloe vera-based dermatological preparations.Among the combinations prohibited are Amoxicillin + Serratiopeptidase, Amoxicillin + Serratiopeptidase + Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Cefuroxime + Serratiopeptidase, Cefadroxyl + Probenecid, Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Clidinium Bromide + Chlordiazepoxide, and a number of aloe vera-based skin formulations.According to the ministry, expert committees found that the available scientific evidence did not support the use of these combinations. The government said the move is aimed at ensuring that only safe, effective and scientifically validated medicines remain available to the public.Officials said the latest action is part of a continuing effort to promote rational use of medicines and strengthen patient safety. State drug regulators have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the ban across the country.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDhaka Erupts In Protest As Hindus Hit Streets With ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Chants | WatchNEET Retest Tragedy: 12 Students Die By Suicide In 37 Days After Exam Cancellation’Just A Trailer’: Eknath Shinde Signals More Shiv Sena (UBT) Defections Amid Operation Tiger BuzzShashi Tharoor Welcomes Modi-Trump Warmth, Says US Relations With Pakistan Need Not Affect IndiaWest Bengal Police Launch Probe Into TMC Bank Accounts Holding ₹535 Crore After MLA’s ComplaintTMC, BJP Workers Clash Outside Kolkata Airport During Abhishek Banerjee’s Return From Delhi”Ready To Step Down”: Uddhav Thackeray’s Emotional Message As MP Revolt Rocks Shiv Sena (UBT)Trump Calls PM Modi A ‘Tough Cookie’, Names Him Among World Leaders He Admires MostContradicting Supreme Court and Tribunal Orders?: TN Assembly’s Firm Stand Against ProjectRare Handshake At LoC During Pakistani National’s Repatriation Draws Attention Across Border123PhotostoriesHow to grow pudina at home fromstore-bought leaves and stem:A step-by-step beginner’s guide for a healthy harvestInside Barun Sobti’s lavish Mumbai house: A massive living room, stunning balconies, elegant decor and moreFrom witchcraft to beauty icon: The surprising history of red lipstick10 signs a couple is losing emotional intimacyBridal colour trends 2026: The wedding hues replacing traditional redTimes ‘Moana’ star Dwayne Johnson proved he loves being a girl dadThese are the world’s most beautiful airports of 2026; two are in IndiaIndia gets plenty of sunshine, so why are millions still deficient in vitamin D? Expert explains6 Plants that can help keep spiders out of your home naturally10 steamed and healthy breakfast dishes from across India123Hot PicksNeeraj ChopraScotland Vs MoroccoBrazil Vs HaltiJIO IPOUddhav ThackerayAbhishek BanerjeeEknath ShindeSamanta BullockLondon Train TragedyTop TrendingBihar gang-rapeUS-Iran Peace DealStock Market LiveFIFA World Cup 2026What is Legacy BadgeBEST bus strikeAIIMS BSc Nursing Admit CardMHT CET PCM 2nd attempt resultsGold rate todayIndia-UK FTA
NEW DELHI: The Centre has banned 16 fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicines, including certain antibiotic, pain-relief and skin-treatment products, after expert panels found that they lacked therapeutic justification and were not supported by scientific evidence.The health ministry on Friday prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of these medicines with immediate effect under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.The action follows a Supreme Court-directed review of fixed-dose combinations sold in the country. As part of the exercise, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) set up an expert committee to examine whether such drug combinations were scientifically justified and safe for patients.Based on the committee’s recommendations, the government concluded that 16 combinations were irrational and that their continued use was not considered beneficial in relation to the potential risks involved.The banned products include combinations containing antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefuroxime and cefadroxyl, medicines used for pain relief and abdominal cramps, and several aloe vera-based dermatological preparations.Among the combinations prohibited are Amoxicillin + Serratiopeptidase, Amoxicillin + Serratiopeptidase + Lactobacillus Sporogenes, Cefuroxime + Serratiopeptidase, Cefadroxyl + Probenecid, Dicyclomine + Paracetamol + Clidinium Bromide + Chlordiazepoxide, and a number of aloe vera-based skin formulations.According to the ministry, expert committees found that the available scientific evidence did not support the use of these combinations. The government said the move is aimed at ensuring that only safe, effective and scientifically validated medicines remain available to the public.Officials said the latest action is part of a continuing effort to promote rational use of medicines and strengthen patient safety. State drug regulators have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the ban across the country.
