Samples of 17 drugs made in Himachal Pradesh found substandard

Solan, August 22

As many as 17 drug samples manufactured in 12 pharmaceutical units of Himachal were declared substandard by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in its monthly alert issued today.

They figure among 57 drug samples declared substandard nationally. Apart from this, four other drug samples tested in various state labs were among 13 samples declared substandard by various state laboratories. Himachal was among several other states which did not submit any data of testing drugs in its laboratories.

For the first time, four batches of Monopropylene Glycol USP manufactured by a Singapore-based company also figure in the national alert.

The 17 drugs comprise Itraconazole 100 mg capsules, Pantoprazole tablet, Carbamazepine extended-release tablet, Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol, Methylcobalam, folic acid & vitamin B6 soft gelatin capsules, Azithromycin tablets, Ofloxacin and Ornidazole tablets, Synetivit capsules, Amoxycillin & Potassium Claulanate capsule, Rabeprazole tablets, Expectorant cough syrup, Cilader -10 tablet, Bioglip 1 tablet and Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride tablet.

Two injection samples have been declared substandard. Compound Sodium Lactate is used for short-term fluid replacement and dehydration. It has been found lacking in the assay content which hits its efficacy. Tranexamic Acid Injection is used to control bleeding also finds a mention in the list.

The other drugs are used to treat common ailments like fungal infection, acidity and manage seizures and treat nerve pain by calming overactive nerves, nutritional supplement, blood pressure, bacterial infection, heartburn, diabetes, and cough.

State Drugs Controller Manish Kapoor said that all batches of drugs figuring in the alert would be immediately withdrawn from the market and field staff will enquire into the reasons for being declared substandard. Firms which repeatedly figure in this list are being thoroughly examined in the joint risk-based inspections.