New Delhi: The Centre has tightened regulations governing the sale of medicinal syrups, including cough syrups, making it mandatory for consumers to present a doctor’s prescription before purchasing them from pharmacies.

The change has been introduced through the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 9 June. The amendment revises the Drugs Rules, 1945 and brings syrups under stricter regulatory control.

As part of the update, the government has removed the word “Syrups” from a category listed under Schedule K of the Drugs Rules. This effectively ends their availability as over-the-counter medicines and places them under prescription-only access.

The notification states that the amendments have been made under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

With the change now in effect, consumers will need a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner to purchase syrups, including commonly used cough syrups, from pharmacies.

The government had earlier published draft rules on 30 December 2025, inviting public objections and suggestions. These were reviewed before finalising the amendment.

Issued by Harsh Mangla, Joint Secretary in the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the notification is expected to significantly alter how such medicines are accessed, shifting routine syrup purchases from over-the-counter availability to regulated, prescription-based sales across the country.