NewKerala.com

Rajasthan Bans 7 Sub-Standard Drugs in Major Public Health Crackdown

The Rajasthan Food Safety and Drug Control Commissionerate has banned seven medicines after laboratory tests between April 1-15, 2026, found them to be sub-standard. The drugs, which include antibiotics, anti-parasitics, and steroids, failed critical quality parameters like assay content and dissolution. Drug Controller Ajay Phatak has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the identified batches from all hospitals, pharmacies, and distributors across the state. The department warns of strict legal action for any violations to prevent risk to public health.

Key Points: Rajasthan Bans 7 Medicines for Failing Quality Tests

  • 7 drugs declared "Not of Standard Quality"
  • Batches to be withdrawn immediately
  • Drugs failed assay and dissolution tests
  • Action under Drugs and Cosmetics Act
3 min read

Crackdown on sub-standard drugs in Rajasthan, seven medicines banned

Rajasthan's drug regulator bans 7 sub-standard medicines, including antibiotics and steroids, after lab tests fail. Full list of batches and manufacturers inside.

"The department conducts regular inspections, sampling, and quality surveillance to ensure that only safe, effective, and compliant medicines reach the public. - Dr. T. Shubhamangala"

Jaipur, April 22

Prioritising public health and patient safety, the Commissionerate of Food Safety and Drug Control, Rajasthan, has issued an alert regarding seven medicines and declared them "Not of Standard Quality" following laboratory testing conducted between April 1 and April 15, 2026, prompting immediate regulatory action across the state.

Acting on the findings, the Drug Controller has directed all Drug Control Officers across Rajasthan to immediately withdraw the identified batches from circulation and initiate strict action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Commissioner Dr. T. Shubhamangala stated that the department conducts regular inspections, sampling, and quality surveillance to ensure that only safe, effective, and compliant medicines reach the public and healthcare institutions.

She said that the latest testing cycle revealed that several pharmaceutical products failed to meet prescribed quality parameters, raising serious concerns over their efficacy, safety, and therapeutic reliability.

The list of sub-standard drugs includes Cefixime Oral Suspension IP (LORAXIM Dry Syrup 12g/30 ml), Batch LXS3-49, Expiry October 2026, manufactured by M/s Lark Laboratories (India) Ltd., Bhiwadi, Alwar, which was found non-compliant as the active ingredient content (assay) did not conform to prescribed standards.

Albendazole Tablets IP, Batch PG124427, Expiry June 2027, manufactured by M/s Affy Parenterals, Baddi, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), failed the dissolution test, indicating inadequate release of the active ingredient.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Levosalbutamol and Guaiphenesin Drops (Istocuf-LS), Batch GLF0712B, Expiry June 2027, manufactured by M/s Digital Vision, Kala Amb, Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), were found to have assay content not conforming to required standards.

Methylprednisolone Tablets IP 4 mg (Methyloactive-4), Batch 252005, Expiry June 2027, manufactured by M/s United Bioceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Haridwar, failed both assay and dissolution tests, indicating multiple quality deficiencies.

Dextromethorphan HBr and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup (Okuff-DX), Batch TLLM-188, Expiry November 2026, manufactured by M/s Taksa Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Derabassi, Mohali, showed Chlorpheniramine Maleate content below permissible limits.

Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets IP (EXTENSIVE-500), Batch VT252942, Expiry February 2028, manufactured by M/s VADSP Pharmaceuticals, Baddi, failed assay testing, while Ciprofloxacin Tablets IP 500 mg, Batch GT50135, Expiry April 2028, manufactured by M/s Omega Pharma, Roorkee, Haridwar, failed both assay and dissolution parameters.

Drug Controller Ajay Phatak said that directions have been issued to all government and private hospitals, medical colleges, pharmacies, and distributors to immediately stop the sale, distribution, and use of these medicines.

He also instructed that additional batches from the same manufacturers be subjected to rigorous and comprehensive quality checks to prevent any further risk to public health.

The department reiterated that any violation of these directions will attract strict legal action under the relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and associated regulatory frameworks.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but this raises a bigger question. Why do these drugs pass quality checks in the first place? The system needs more proactive, surprise checks rather than reactive bans. We need stronger oversight at the manufacturing level itself.
A
Aman W
Saw the list. Cefixime and Ciprofloxacin are common antibiotics. If they don't have the right amount of medicine, infections won't be cured and resistance can develop. This is a serious issue for public health. Strict punishment for the companies is needed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who relies on regular medication, this is terrifying. How can we trust what we buy? I appreciate the crackdown, but there must be better transparency. Maybe an app where we can check batch numbers before purchasing?
V
Vikram M
The companies named are from Himachal, Haridwar, Mohali... this isn't just a Rajasthan problem. The Drug Controller of India needs to coordinate with all states. Sub-standard drugs in one state can easily circulate in another. National-level action is required.
N
Nisha Z
While I support the ban, I hope the authorities also ensure that alternative medicines are readily available, especially in rural areas. Patients shouldn't suffer because of a supply gap created by this necessary action.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50