Advisory board urges ban on codeine cough drugs, regulator to take call

Codeine formulations constitute 8% of cough and cold market; pharma industry asks govt not to ban a 'safe' medicine for abuse by some

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended a ban on codeine-based formulations, and now the country’s drug regulator would take a final call on the matter, multiple sources in the know said. If implemented, the ban on codeine preparations, which contribute about 8 per cent of the cough and cold market today, would lead to an impact of around Rs 43 crore.

Codeine-based formulations are under the scanner for misuse as a narcotic product. Several smuggling rackets have been busted and codeine formulations (cough syrups mostly) seized. Many people misuse this medication (which is an opioid product) to get