Centre Bans Oral ‘Nimesulide’ Doses Above 100 mg

New Delhi, Dec 31: The Union Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations of the painkiller nimesulide containing doses above 100 mg, citing serious risks to human health, according to an official notification.

The decision was taken following a recommendation by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country’s apex health research body. The ban applies to immediate-release oral formulations of nimesulide exceeding the 100 mg dosage.

In the notification issued on Monday, the Centre said it was satisfied that the use of oral nimesulide formulations above 100 mg is likely to pose risks to human beings and that safer alternatives to the drug are available.

Stating that the move was necessary and expedient in the public interest, the notification said the government, in exercise of powers under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, has prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of the drug for human use with immediate effect. (Agencies)