Codeine cough syrup rules may get tighter

Ahmedabad: The central government could introduce new guidelines to monitor the supply and distribution of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCSs). The government was considering banning CBCSs, but the pharma industry asked for stricter guidelines to monitor their supply instead. As of now, manufacturers have quota manufacture of codeine cough syrups, but the government could introduce rules for distributors and retailers to ensure these syrups do not reach unofficial outlets such as paan shops.

An office-bearer of the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA), on condition of anonymity, said, "We have requested the central government to not ban codeine-based cough syrups but to make its supply stricter. Codeine is used by medical professionals to treat cough, and manufacturers get a quota from the government. There have been instances of codeine cough syrups seized at paan shops or from unauthorized sellers, but medically-proven cough syrups should not be banned because of this. According to official data, in the last three years, total consumption of codeine phosphate was 1.50 lakh kg and seizures of CBCS was only 21.5kg, meaning only 0.014% of the amount consumed was seized. Codeine was categorized as an essential narcotic drug in 2015 under the rules of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act."

He said a high-level meeting was held recently with top officials and several solutions were discussed. "As of now, it appears that codeine-based cough syrups will not be banned but their supply will be closely monitored. New guidelines may be introduced to control misuse of codeine cough syrups. If an unauthorized person is caught selling it, the authorities will hold the distributor who sold the syrup to that person responsible. Also, doctors may be told to write prescriptions with clear instructions about codeine," the IDMA official said.

Jashvant Patel, president of Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association said, "Most retail chemists obey the rules because this comes under the NDPS Act but there are some leaks in supply chains and it reaches unauthorized persons. Codeine monitoring should be more stringent to ensure it is not misused."