India might soon require a prescription for cough syrups

India Nov 18, 2025

After several tragic child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups, Indian health authorities are thinking about making these medicines prescription-only.
Right now, you can buy most cough syrups over the counter, but this could change if the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) moves forward with the proposal.

Why this matters

The push comes after reports of poisoning and kidney injuries in kids from tainted syrups—especially in Madhya Pradesh, where dangerous batches caused multiple deaths.
The World Health Organization even issued a warning about how easily these products were being sold through informal channels.
By tightening the rules, officials aim to ensure that only safe, regulated cough syrups reach people who actually need them.