Center bans 156 Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs over health risks

NEW DELHI: The Central Government has banned 156 Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs, commonly used for treating fever, cold, pain and allergies citing potential serious health risks. These FDC drugs, also known as "cocktail drugs," are formulated by combining two or more pharmaceutical ingredients in a fixed ratio.

The ban was recommended by an expert committee from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which concluded that these drugs pose a significant risk to human health. The prohibition has been enforced under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Among the banned compounds are a pill containing aciclofe AC 50 mg and paracetamol 125 mg. Also prohibited are combinations involving paracetamol, tramadol, taurine, and caffeine. Other drugs that have been taken off the market include Mefenamic Acid + Paracetamol Injection, Cetirizine HCl + Paracetamol + Phenylephrine HCl, Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine HCl + Paracetamol, Paracetamol + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylpropanolamine and Camylofin Dihydrochloride 25 mg + Paracetamol 25 mg.

The Union Health Department, in its statement regarding the ban, assured that there are safer alternatives available to the public for treating these common ailments.