In the wake of concerns over adverse drug reactions linked to certain medicines, including the recent Coldrif syrup controversy, the Punjab government has ordered the immediate discontinuation of eight intravenous drugs and fluids manufactured by three pharmaceutical companies. In a circular issued by the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, all civil surgeons, medical superintendents and district hospital heads have been directed to stop the use, issue and procurement of the listed drugs and fluids with immediate effect. The order, dated October 10, said the move followed reports of suspected cases of adverse drug reactions from some health facilities. As a precautionary measure, the state has decided to suspend the use of the identified batches until further orders. The directive names specific batches of normal saline, dextrose, ciprofloxacin, DNS and other intravenous fluids manufactured by Swaroop Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, Otsuka Pharmaceutical India Pvt Ltd and Health Biotech Ltd. Among the products flagged are two batches of normal saline manufactured in May 2025, a batch of dextrose injection, and ciprofloxacin injections produced in late 2024. The government has also suspended the use of DNS 0.9 per cent, N/2 plus dextrose fluid, and bupivacaine with dextrose, which were manufactured between December 2023 and December 2024. The Directorate has asked all government hospitals and health institutions to ensure immediate compliance with the order. It has also instructed the Punjab Health Systems Corporation to evaluate the reported adverse reactions associated with the drugs and to submit a detailed report after forming an expert committee. A senior health department official said the move was “a precautionary step to ensure patient safety” and that the discontinuation would remain in place until the quality and safety of the affected batches were verified. The directive comes shortly after the state government withdrew Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, following reports of suspected adverse reactions in several districts. Health officials said the latest action underscores the department’s zero-tolerance policy towards any lapses in drug quality and its commitment to safeguard public health.
