- Buying medicinal syrups now requires a doctor's prescription in India
- The Ministry removed "Syrup" from exempt medicines under Schedule K rules
- The move aims to prevent self-medication after child deaths linked to syrups
Buying medicinal syrups, including cough syrups, may no longer be as simple as walking into a pharmacy and making a purchase, as the Union Health ministry amended rules to prohibit sale without a doctor's prescription.
The Ministry issued a notification aimed at removing the word “Syrup” from Entry No. 7 under Serial No. 13 of Schedule K, a category that currently exempts certain medicines from prescription requirements.
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The amendment has been notified through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, published in the official gazette. The amendment came into force with immediate effect from the date of its publication.
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Consequently, these medications must now comply with the full requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.
In 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
Officials say the policy change is intended to strengthen patient safety and curb the growing practice of self-medication. Pharmacists will be required to verify prescriptions and maintain records of sales, bringing cough syrups under stricter regulatory oversight.
The decision follows a series of tragic incidents involving child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups.
The ministry said the comments received from the public had been considered before finalising the amendment after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the country's highest statutory body on technical matters related to drugs.
Health authorities have also reiterated warnings against the use of cough and cold syrups in young children.
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