No Prescription, No Sale: New Norms for Alcohol-Based Medicines

The Central Government has introduced new regulations governing the sale of medicines containing higher levels of alcohol. Under the revised rules, medicines containing more than 12% ethyl alcohol can now be sold only against a valid doctor's prescription. Medical stores have been instructed not to dispense such medicines without a prescription.

Ethyl alcohol is commonly used in certain cough syrups, tonics, and other medicines to maintain their stability and effectiveness. However, reports of these medicines being misused for intoxication rather than medical treatment prompted the government to tighten regulations. The new rule is aimed at preventing abuse while ensuring the safe and responsible use of such medicines.