Over The Counter Banned Drugs In India

Over the counter banned drugs continue to make their space in the Indian market while they have become obsolete overseas due to their toxic effects in the body. One of the most controversial drug is NIMESULIDE. Indiscriminate use of Nimesulide poses an alarming situation for India, due to its potential to cause hepatotoxicity along with other diseases likecholestasis, pruritis, colon cancer, coagulopathy, potential seizures in smokers over a period of time. It is especially contraindicated in children, medically compromised patients and pregnant ladies.

Nimesulide is available in the market popularly by the name of Nise, Nodard plus, Nimulid etc. The market value of nimesulide ranges over 250 millions forcing the multinational companies to increase the production rather than cease its manufacture. But due to media’s scrutiny and health awareness the end of nimesulide has begun leading to the withdrawal of various pediatric preparations of the drug from the market (nimegesic drops).

Other OTC Banned Drugs are as follows:

ANALGIN

• Generic name :Metamizole sodium
• Indications: Toothache, headache, arthralgia, neuralgia, myositis, visceral pain, high fever.
• Reasons for ban:

Agranulocytosis,

Leucopenia,

Thrombocytopenia,

Proteinuria,

Interstitial nephritis.

In sensitive patients rashes, urticaria, edema, asthmatic attacks, and very rarely anaphylactic shock may occur.

• Brand name: Novalgin, Dipyrone, Melubrin

CELECOXIB

• Non steroidal anti inflammatory drug
• Indications: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, familial adenomatous polyposis, dysmennorhea
• Reasons for ban:

Heart attack

Stroke

Allergies

• Brand names: Celebrex, Celcoxx

DEPENDAL-M

• Generic name: Furazolidone
• Indications: Travellor’s diarrhoea, cholera, salmonella infection
• Reasons for ban:

Cancer

Convulsions,

Peripheral neuritis,

Gastrointestinal disturbances,

Depression of spermatogenesis.

• Brand names: Furoxone, Lomofen

FURACILIN

• Generic name: Nitrofurazone

• Indication: Anti-bacterial cream

• Reasons for ban:

Cancer

G.I/ liver

Reproductive toxins

Sense organs toxicity

TANDEARIL

• Generic name: Oxyphenbutazone

• Non steroidal anti inflammatory drug.

• Indications: Analgesia, antipyresis

• Reasons for ban:

Bone marrow depression,

GIT ulcers

• Brand name : Sioril

D’COLD

• Generic name: Phenylpropanolamine

• Indications: Cold and cough, hay fever, sinus irritation

• Reasons for ban:

Haemorrhagic stroke

Allergy (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, face)

Seizures

Hallucinations

An irregular or fast heartbeat.

• Brand name: Vicks Action – 500, Propagest

INAPSINE

• Generic name: Droperidol

• Indications: Antidepressent, neuroleptic

• Reason for ban :

Arrythymias

CISAPRIDE

• Indications: Acidity, constipation.

• Reasons for ban :

Irregular heartbeat

Teratogenicity

Hypokalemia

Liver toxicity

• Brand name : Ciza, Syspride

AGAROL

• Generic name: Phenolphthalein

• Indication: Laxative

• Reason for ban: Carcinogenicity

ENTERO QUINOL

• Generic name : Quiniodochlor

• Indications: Amoebic dysentery, colitis

• Reasons for ban:

Optic neuritis,

Optic atrophy

Peripheral neuropathy

Anal irritation.

Other drugs like oxytetracycline, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, thalidomide and 82combination formulations are banned by the government of India. The use of these medicines is strictly prohibited.