The Andhra Pradesh Chemists and Druggists Association (APCDA) has initiated a fresh campaign to caution the pharmacists on dispensing habit forming and narcotic drugs in their stores. The Association has advised chemists to ask for prescriptions from patients before dispensing such drugs.

It has also recommended that physicians should prescribe lesser doses of such drugs instead of prescribing drugs for a longer period, which may lead to habit forming. Pharmacists should also dispense these drugs to patients initially for a shorter period to save them from health hazards, Dr Ghisulal Jain, president, APCDA told Pharmabiz.

Several drugs that fall under the category of habit-forming drugs (HFD) such as Fortwin Injection, Corex-Phensydyl and cough Syrups should be dispensed carefully. The Association is also taking measures to reduce the supply of sedative drugs into the market. Pharmacy stores also face the threat of suspension of licenses from drugs authorities for sale of un-prescribed drugs falling into this category, he added.

Taking advantage of the easy availability and affordability, adolescents and youth are getting addicted to habit-forming drugs in the form of cough syrups, painkillers and tranquillisers.

The Hyderabad District Chemists and Druggists Association, a couple of months ago, has also asked chemists to demand prescription from patients before selling habit-forming drugs. It has asked chemists to be alert while selling drugs like Corex and Phensedyl syrups, Spasmo-Proxyvon, Alprazolam, Diazepam tablets and Fortwin injection.

The cough preparations like Corex of Pfizer, Phensedyl of Nicholas Piramal, Codokuff of German Remedies, Codeine Linctus of Zydus Alidac contain Codeine Phosphate as one of the ingredients. As these preparations contain codeine and its salts they fall under Schedule H of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules. These formulations are prescription drugs and are to be dispensed on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.