The Karnataka government has flagged 14 pharmaceutical products as substandard, urging medical shops, hospitals, and the public to immediately stop selling, stocking, or using these specific medicines. The warning follows lab testing by the state's Drug Testing Laboratory, which confirmed quality failures in products from 14 different companies.

Key highlights

14 medicines declared substandard

• Includes Ringer Lactate Injection (Compound Sodium Lactate IP) by Ultra Laboratories and Tam Bran Pharmaceuticals.

• Pomol-650 (Paracetamol 650 mg) by Aban Pharmaceuticals and MITO Q7 Syrup by Bion Therapeutics India also listed.

Government advisory issued

• Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration has instructed chemists, wholesalers, and doctors not to sell or use the flagged products.

• Hospitals and nursing homes must inform local Drug Inspectors if any stock is found.

Public health precaution

• The public is strongly advised not to consume any of the listed medicines.

• Authorities stress strict compliance to prevent potential harm from these substandard drugs.

Statements from officials
The department stated:
“Chemists and health institutions holding any of these stocks are requested to inform their respective area Drugs Inspector or Assistant Drugs Controller immediately.”
They further emphasized the seriousness of the issue and urged urgent cooperation from all stakeholders in safeguarding public health.

This move reinforces the importance of quality control in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Retail pharmacists are advised to double-check stock inventories and ensure compliance with official directives to avoid penalties and protect patient safety.