Himachal Pradesh: 51 drugs fail quality test

In a worrisome development, several cough syrups and injectable medicines are among 51 drugs declared “not of standard quality” (NSQ) by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in its monthly drug alert issued on Wednesday. The alert, based on samples drawn from across the country, reported that 167 medicine samples failed prescribed quality parameters, with pharmaceutical firms from the state accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the total.The findings have raised serious concerns over adherence to manufacturing norms and quality control practices. Among the medicines flagged were widely used cough and cold formulations such as Coffix LS, Soltus TS, Coftant Syrup, Koff-Max D, Broxin-SB, Agtha-LS and RespiFresh-AD. These products were found deficient in key parameters including assay and pH levels, directly affecting their efficacy and reliability.Even more alarming were defects detected in several injectable drugs, where particulate matter was found, a serious violation from a patient safety perspective. Such defects not only compromise the effectiveness of treatment but also pose direct health risks and erode public confidence in healthcare systems.Injectable medicines under scrutiny include Amikacin Sulphate Injection, used to treat resistant bacterial infections; Rabeprazole sodium injection for stomach ulcers; Lorazepam injection for anxiety disorders; Piperacillin and Tazobactam injection, a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination; and two batches of Menadione sodium bisulphite injection, prescribed to prevent bleeding. Quality failures in these critical drugs are particularly concerning given their use in emergency and hospital settings.A closer examination of the CDSCO list reveals that three samples of Natrinoz nasal spray manufactured by a Baddi-based unit failed to meet prescribed pH standards, while Luliitech cream, commonly used to treat fungal infections, was found lacking the required assay, rendering it potentially ineffective.The NSQ drugs were reportedly manufactured in major pharmaceutical clusters including Baddi-Nalagarh, Barotiwala, Solan, Sansarpur Terrace, Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib, Parwanoo and Una. Tablets accounted for the highest number of failures, with deficiencies observed in dissolution and disintegration tests, meaning the medicines may not dissolve or act in the body as intended.Medicines used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol disorders, allergies, asthma, infections, pain, fever, acidity, neurological conditions, worm infestations, calcium deficiency and paediatric coughs and colds were among those that failed quality checks.The CDSCO clarified that the alert is part of routine regulatory surveillance, with NSQ and counterfeit drug lists published monthly to enable swift identification and recall of suspect medicines. State Drugs Controller Manish Kapoor said notices have been issued to the concerned companies, immediate recalls ordered and detailed investigations launched. He assured that patient safety would not be compromised and strict action would follow any confirmed violations.

Himachal Pradesh: 51 drugs fail quality test

Cough syrups, injections & commonly used tablets feature in latest alert

Ambika Sharma

Himachal Pradesh: 51 drugs fail quality test

Cough syrups, injections & commonly used tablets feature in latest alert

Ambika Sharma

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