IN order to control the skyrocketing of non-scheduled formulation drug prices, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the prices of Benadryl cough syrup and antipruritic Caladryl Lotion. Both the products are manufactured by Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and marketed by Pfizer Limited, India.

The authority fixed the price of Benadryl Syrup 100ml at Rs 38.61 and the price of Caladryl Lotion 100ml at Rs 55.91 as maximum retail price including excise duty and local taxes.

NPPA order further adds that the authority observed a 20 per cent increase in the price of the drugs during the period from November 2005 to November 2006, as per the data obtained from the market watch agency ORG-IMS. The authority also noted that the explanation from the companies were not satisfactory and the deed was unjustifiable.

The drug price watchdog ordered the companies to implement the fixed price for mentioned formulation pack within 15 days from receipt of the order by issuing a price list in form V in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 15 of DPCO, 1995.

The NPPA, with its latest action on these two formulations, has brought prices of a total 22 non-scheduled drugs under control using its powers delegated under Para 10 (b).