New Indian rules for buying cough syrup
New Indian rules for buying cough syrup
Updated at: June 17, 2026 at 07:30 AM
Starting in June 2026, India has introduced significant changes to how cough syrups are purchased.
The government has officially banned the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of all syrup-based medicines, which were previously accessible under exemptions in the Drugs Rules, 1945.
Now, a valid prescription from a registered doctor is mandatory for every purchase.
These stricter regulations follow a series of heartbreaking incidents where contaminated cough syrups—containing lethal substances like diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol—were linked to child fatalities both internationally and within India.
In addition to retail changes, the government has overhauled manufacturing standards.
Furthermore, mandatory testing for toxic contaminants in all finished liquid medicines is now strictly enforced.
These comprehensive measures represent India's commitment to restoring trust in its pharmaceutical sector and prioritizing public health above all else.
