India submits list of prescription drugs for OTC classification

A list of prescription drugs is expected to be submitted to the government for approval to switch to over-the-counter (OTC) status. This change will allow consumers to buy these medications without a doctor’s prescription. The drugs on the list include fever medications, painkillers, allergy medications, antacids, nasal sprays, cough syrups, and antiseptics. A senior official stated that most of the categories from an earlier draft have been kept in the final list. The report is nearly complete and is expected to be submitted soon. The new OTC drugs may be organized into different categories. Some might only be available in pharmacies, while others could be sold in general stores, similar to practices in Western countries. Currently, there is no clear classification for OTC drugs in India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1945. Countries like the US and UK have defined guidelines for OTC drugs, and India is working toward establishing its own. According to a report by the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, prescription drugs fall into certain categories under the Drugs Rules. This includes drugs that require a prescription and those that do not. The process to transition certain drugs to OTC status aims to ensure clarity and consistency. Experts note that new drugs are usually required to be available only by prescription. Last year, the central drugs control organization set up a sub-committee to create guidelines for OTC drugs, including labeling and advertising rules. Overall, the goal is to encourage self-care among consumers while ensuring patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.