ANI file photo Buying cough syrup without a doctor’s prescription may no longer be possible after the Centre withdrew a decades-old exemption that allowed certain syrup formulations to be sold under relaxed regulatory conditions.The change comes months after contaminated cough syrups linked to child deaths in MP triggered a WHO alert. The health ministry has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 by removing “syrups” from Schedule K. Lozenges, pills and tablets for cough, however, continue to remain on the exempted list.The exemption had allowed cough syrups to be sold as household remedies in villages with populations below 1,000.With the amendment coming into force, cough syrups will now have to be sold through licensed pharmacies, bringing them under the regular regulatory framework governing medicines.Officials said the latest amendment is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve accountability in the distribution chain and align older exemptions with present-day public health and safety requirements. Health experts said the change could improve traceability and regulatory monitoring of cough syrups, which remain among the most commonly used medicines in rural India. 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 MediaVideos’There Is Shortage of Trust’: PM Modi’s Sharp G7 Message Beside TrumpCelebi Claims India Erased $500 Million in Value After Security Clearance Revocation Post Op SindoorTop BJP Leaders Meet Amid Speculation Over National Team, Cabinet Reshuffle | Watch’Military-Grade Security’: Annamalai, BJP Clash Over NEET UG Re-ExamKalyan Banerjee Rejects Misconduct Allegations Amid Escalating TMC Split BattleOperation Tiger Nears Final Stage: Shinde Camp Says 7 Sena UBT MPs May Switch Before Session’Not Scared’: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke Blames RSS Over Jaipur protest assaultAnti-Defection Law: Can Two-Thirds Of TMC MPs Override Their Party And Claim A Merger?Drills, Checks, Surveillance: J&K Sees Massive Security Boost Ahead Of Amarnath Yatra 2026LRLACM Tested: How India’s 1,500 km Cruise Missile Shifts the Balance With Pakistan and China123PhotostoriesFrom accepting the role of Champaklal, Jethalal’s father, at 35 to his bond with Dilip Joshi: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Amit Bhatt spoke about his journey7 new real estate hubs in Navi Mumbai worth watchingWhy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali rose by 5% and 7% in the month of May5 warning signs of stress are hijacking your decision-making ability, according to a psychologistIn photos: The timeless of beauty of Ladakh in summer seasonAmeesha Patel’s ‘Gadar’ anniversary lehenga feels like a love letter to Bollywood’s golden eraVirat Kohli’s piggyback ride with daughter Akaay melts hearts: 7 lessons on mindful parenting from Virat and Anushka10 subtle signs you have high emotional intelligenceCan’t leave or stay? 4 warning signs you are in a trauma-bond relationshipLosing weight without trying? Your body could be sending an important health warning123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley
Buying cough syrup without a doctor’s prescription may no longer be possible after the Centre withdrew a decades-old exemption that allowed certain syrup formulations to be sold under relaxed regulatory conditions.The change comes months after contaminated cough syrups linked to child deaths in MP triggered a WHO alert. The health ministry has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 by removing “syrups” from Schedule K. Lozenges, pills and tablets for cough, however, continue to remain on the exempted list.The exemption had allowed cough syrups to be sold as household remedies in villages with populations below 1,000.With the amendment coming into force, cough syrups will now have to be sold through licensed pharmacies, bringing them under the regular regulatory framework governing medicines.Officials said the latest amendment is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve accountability in the distribution chain and align older exemptions with present-day public health and safety requirements. Health experts said the change could improve traceability and regulatory monitoring of cough syrups, which remain among the most commonly used medicines in rural India.
