The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the prices of 15 ciprofloxocin formulations for the first time since 1997. Many of the formulations in the present list have come under the price control for the first time. All manufacturers, except Ranbaxy, who have obtained a stay on revising the prices of their ciprofloxacin brands from Mumbai High Court, have been asked to comply with the order within 15 days of the notification.

The list of formulations for which prices have been fixed are various packs of ciprofloxacin 100 mg tablets, various strengths of ciprofloxacin and tinidazole combinations, ciprofloxacin eye ointment, eye drops, IV infusion, and ciprofloxacin and tinidazole suspensions. The NPPA had not fixed prices for such a large range of formulations in 1997.

According to NPPA sources, the HC stay for Ranbaxy is meant only for that particular company and does not prevent the authority from announcing ceiling prices for the formulations. NPPA has made it clear that the prices fixed are maximum ceiling prices for the specified pack and packs of similar strengths and companies cannot claim exception on any ground. However, the authority has asked the companies to approach NPPA directly for any claims of special feature or packing material.

Interestingly, the bulk drug price of ciprofloxacin has not been revised since 1997. The authorities informed that the same notified price was considered as the basis for fixing the prices for the formulations.