Karnataka drugs control department has seized drugs not-of-standard quality medicines sold at chemist outlets in the State. The drug test lab which conducted the analysis of the drugs has found that medicines were found non compliant with the analysis.

The drugs have been manufactured mostly by companies outside the state. These include companies from the excise free zone at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh.

The reasons for drugs not being of standard quality are inadequate quantum of active ingredients, non compliance with the requirement of sterility, disintegration, assay requirements, weight uniformity and presence of undesirable substances. Companies need to maintain the highest quality of manufacture and have to ensure re-checks at every stage to avoid getting into this situation, stated Dr BR Jagashetty, Karnataka drugs controller.

"We have alerted the pharmacy outlets, hospitals and nursing homes in the state not to sell or stock these drugs. The public have also been alerted to avoid purchase of these drugs which are available over-the-counter", he added.

United Biotech at Baddi has been engaged in the manufacture of Unifolin 50, Leucovorin Calcium injection. Goran Pharma located in the Gujarat Industrial Area was engaged in the production of Chlorhexidine mouth wash, Perix. Cooper Pharma in Delhi has been intimated for its enteric coated Aspirin. Enpala Laboratories located in the Industrial Area at Lokokere Road, Davengere in Karnataka manufactured Enpestine Expectorant which has been found lacking in the quality of contents.

Waksman Selman Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. has been producing Ciprofloxin in 250 mg strength which has been listed in the not-of-standard quality list. Oflocacin tablets sold under the brand name Ocinol was manufactured by Biotech Pvt. Ltd at Vadodara and Gentamic injection under brand name Lytamycin manufactured by Parenterals Pvt. Ltd. at Tetali, Andhra Pradesh are also in the list. Modern Laboratories which manufactures Cyanocobalamin injection (Vitamin 12) and Elmac Remedies (P) Ltd manufacturing Kufmac tablets also figure in the list of poor quality makers. All these drugs are being sold in outlets in the state.

The not-of-standard quality drugs are being produced largely by small scale manufacturers. These drugs are not found to be in compliance with IP/USP standards. The problem of discoloration and fungus infestations are serious issues associated with the drugs produced by the units across the country.

In yet another raid of some chemist outlets, the Special Court of Economic Offences has convicted the proprietor of Sri Ram Medicals for stocking the drugs marked as 'ESI Supply Not for Sale'. The accused has been convicted and will undergo simple imprisonment.