Doctor’s prescription now mandatory to purchase cough syrups as Centre tweaks rules

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification to prohibit sale of syrups, including cough syrups, without a doctor’s prescription.

The amendment has been notified through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, published in the official gazette, PTI reported. The decision is aimed at bringing syrup-based formulations under stricter regulatory oversight.

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Notably, the amendment has come into force with immediate effect from the date of its publication.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issues notification which brings into effect that all ‘Syrups’, including cough syrups will no longer be available over the counter. A prescription by a doctor will be required for the purchase of ‘Syrups’. pic.twitter.com/SaszQvHH1C

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 16, 2026

What this means?

The notification issued on June 9 removes the word ‘Syrups’ from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945.

Notably, Schedule K lists multiple categories of medicines that remain exempted from specific provisions governing the manufacture and sale of drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Among these include antiseptics, antacids and contraceptives. Such items are allowed to be sold over-the-counter (OTC).

“In the Drugs Rules, 1945, in Schedule K, in the column, under the heading Class of Drugs, against serial number 13, in item number (7), the word ‘Syrups,’ shall be omitted,” read the notification.

With the new amendment, all syrup-based medicines, which includes cough syrups, will no longer be covered under these special exemptions.

As a result, consumers will now be required to present a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner in order to purchase such medicines.

The notification states that the rules were framed by the government “after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board” in exercise of powers conferred under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The amendment was notified after a draft of the proposed rules was published in December last year, while taking into consideration objections and suggestions received from the public.