Centre mandates prescription for syrup medicines, including cough syrups, bans over-the-counter sale

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New-Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification making it mandatory for consumers to obtain a doctor’s prescription before purchasing syrups, including cough syrups, from pharmacies across the country.

With the notification coming into effect, these medicines will no longer be available over the counter (OTC). Consumers will now have to present a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner to buy such syrups.

The notification, dated June 9, 2026, was issued after the Centre reviewed public feedback on a draft proposal that had been released in December last year.

As part of the amendment, the government has removed the term “Syrups” from a category of medicines listed under Schedule K of the Drugs Rules. The change effectively ends the over-the-counter sale of syrups and brings them under a more stringent regulatory framework, requiring a doctor’s prescription for purchase.

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The notification stated, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 12 and 33 of the said Act, the Central Government, after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, namely.”

The amendment further read, “In the Drugs Rules, 1945, in Schedule K, in the column, under the heading Class of Drugs, against serial number 13, in item number (7), the word ‘Syrups,’ shall be omitted.”

The notification was issued after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.

The Drugs Rules, 1945, framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of medicines in India.

Also Read: DGHS Issues Warning: No Cough Syrup For Children Under 2 Years

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