Government proposes to introduce OTC medicines

The central government is going to make some changes to the rules for buying medicines over the counter. It proposed to introduce the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs category in the country.

The government proposes to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules by introducing the OTC category for their sale in the retail market.

As of now, the government proposed to keep 16 drugs in the OTC category. People can buy them without a prescription from a doctor.

These drugs include common antipyretic medicines like Paracetamol, laxatives like Bisacodyl, some anti-septic lotions, nasal decongestants, and topical antifungal creams.

However, some experts said that medicines such as oral rehydration had not been included in the list as they are essential.

The ministry issued a draft notification and asked for feedback from people within a month.

The draft notification said that the above drugs can be sold over the counter without a doctor’s prescription if the duration of the treatment does not exceed five days. Patients should consult a doctor if their symptoms do not resolve within five days.

It also said that the pack size of OTC drugs should not exceed the maximum recommended or specified five days. The draft also said that the pack should contain an information leaflet for patients.

Currently, many medicines are available easily in the retail market in India. People can buy them at medical shops without having a doctor’s prescription. There is no clear definition of OTC medicines in India’s drug laws.

However, the government proposed to introduce the OTC category by making a necessary amendment to the law. It started with 16 medicines. It intends to include many other medicines in the OTC category later.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) approved the OTC policy of the government. DTAB advises the government on matters related to drugs and medicines.

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