Over the years, India has banned numerous drugs due to concerns over their safety, efficacy, or potential for abuse. These bans are typically based on scientific evidence, reports of adverse drug reactions, or international regulatory actions. The list of banned drugs is periodically updated to reflect new findings and concerns. Below is an overview of some key drugs that have been banned in India, categorized into different classes:
1. Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
These drugs are commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, certain drugs in this category have been banned due to severe side effects or safety concerns.
- Phenylbutazone and its formulations: Banned due to severe side effects, including blood disorders.
- Nimesulide: Banned for use in children below 12 years due to its potential to cause liver toxicity.
- Rofecoxib: A COX-2 inhibitor, withdrawn globally after studies revealed an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are vital for treating bacterial infections, but inappropriate use can lead to resistance or severe adverse effects. Several antibiotics have been banned in India due to these concerns.
- Furazolidone: Banned due to its potential carcinogenic effects.
- Nitrofurazone: Banned as it has been shown to cause cancer in animals.
- Gatifloxacin: Banned due to its severe side effects, including blood sugar disturbances.
3. Cough and Cold Preparations
Combination drugs used for treating cough and cold are often subject to abuse or have ingredients with significant side effects, leading to their ban.
- Phenylpropanolamine (PPA): Banned due to its association with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, especially in young women.
- Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of certain drugs: Several FDCs have been banned due to their potential for misuse or lack of therapeutic justification.
4. Antidiarrheal Drugs
Drugs used to treat diarrhea have also faced bans, particularly when they pose risks greater than their benefits.
- Loperamide in high doses: Although available in lower doses for OTC use, high doses have been banned due to potential cardiac risks.
- Norfloxacin + Tinidazole combination: Banned due to the lack of sufficient evidence of safety and efficacy.
5. Psychotropic Drugs
Psychotropic drugs affect the mind, emotions, and behavior. Some have been banned due to concerns over safety, potential for abuse, or serious side effects.
- Phenacetin: Banned due to its carcinogenic potential and the risk of kidney damage.
- Chloral hydrate: Banned for its sedative effects and the potential for abuse.
- Fenfluramine: Used in weight loss treatments, it was banned after being linked to heart valve issues and pulmonary hypertension.
6. Antidiabetic Drugs
Drugs used to manage diabetes have also been subject to bans when they present unacceptable risks.
- Phenformin: Banned due to its association with lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition.
- Rosiglitazone: Banned after being linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
7. Weight Loss Drugs
Weight loss drugs are often scrutinized due to the severe side effects associated with their use.
- Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine: Both banned after being associated with heart valve diseases and pulmonary hypertension.
- Rimonabant: Banned due to psychiatric side effects, including depression and suicidal tendencies.
8. Hormonal Preparations
Certain hormonal drugs have been banned in India, especially when used in combination or in inappropriate doses.
- Estrogen + Progesterone combination products: Some have been banned due to risks like blood clots, stroke, and cancer.
- Dianabol (methandrostenolone): An anabolic steroid banned due to its potential for misuse and severe side effects, including liver damage and heart disease.
9. Cardiovascular Drugs
Drugs that impact the cardiovascular system have also faced bans due to unacceptable risks.
- Cisapride: Banned after being linked to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
- Astemizole: An antihistamine banned due to its potential to cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Miscellaneous
There are several other drugs banned in India that do not fall into the above categories but have been removed from the market due to various concerns.
- Tegaserod: Banned due to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Sibutramine: A weight-loss
