Medicines containing over 12% ethyl alcohol can no longer be sold without a doctor’s prescription.
Key Highlights
- The Centre has restricted the sale of medicines containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol.
- These medicines will no longer be available as over-the-counter (OTC) products.
- A valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner will now be mandatory.
- Pharmacists must verify prescriptions before dispensing such medicines.
- The move aims to prevent misuse and promote the safe use of medicines.
New Delhi: The Central government has made it mandatory to obtain a doctor’s prescription for purchasing medicines containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol, in a move aimed at ensuring the safe and responsible use of pharmaceutical products.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification stating that such medicines will no longer be classified as over-the-counter (OTC) products. Instead, they can only be sold against a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner.
The decision is intended to curb the uncontrolled use and potential misuse of medicines with high alcohol content while strengthening public health safeguards.
Under the new rules, pharmacists and medicine retailers will be required to verify valid prescriptions before dispensing medicines that exceed the prescribed alcohol limit.
According to the Health Ministry, the regulation is designed to encourage the responsible use of medicines, reduce the risk of abuse and enhance patient safety across the country.
