Despite curbs, cough syrups freely available in Bengaluru pharmacies

Union govt amended Drugs Rules, 1945, removing exemption for syrups under Schedule K, effective June 16, 2026.

Cough and cold syrups now require a valid medical prescription for sale.

TOI found many Bengaluru pharmacies still selling cough syrups over the counter without prescription.

Pharmacists were largely unaware of or not enforcing the new rule, often asking only about symptoms.

Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration issued an advisory on June 20 reiterating the rule.