Drugs Banned In India

The health ministry has suspended the sale of two drugs - painkiller Analgin and anti-diabetes drug Pioglitazone and all its combinations .

While the ban on Analgin in India has come after almost 36 years after the drug was banned in the US (which banned it in 1977), Pioglitazone was pulled out of France in 2011 for an increased risk of bladder cancer.

 This decision comes in the wake of a strong stand by the government on suspending marketing of all drugs prohibited for sale in other countries like the US, the UK, EU and Australia.

The ministry of health and family welfare has suspended the manufacture and sale of all three drugs under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 with immediate effect, through a notification issued on June 18, informed sources told TOI. While the ministry has been dilly-dallying on withdrawing analgin and deanxit for years now, despite pressure from a parliamentary panel, the decision on the diabetes drug pioglitazone has taken the industry completely by surprise.

The decision to ban pioglitazone and its combinations will hit the Rs 700-crore market for such drugs and adversely impact a clutch of companies including Abbott, Sun Pharma, USV, Lupin, Ranbaxy and Wockhardt.

Drugs Banned In India

LIST OF DRUGS PROHIBITED FOR MANUFACTURE AND SALE THROUGH GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 26A OF DRUGS & COSMETICS ACT 1940 BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

DRUGS PROHIBITED FROM THE DATE OF NOTIFICATION

1. Amidopyrine.

 2. Fixed dose combinations of vitamins with anti-inflammatory agents and tranquilizers.

 3. Fixed dose combinations of Atropine in Analgesics and Antipyretics.

 4. Fixed dose combinations of Strychnine and Caffeine in tonics.

 5.Fixed dose combinations of Yohimbine and Strychnine with Testosterone and  Vitamins.

 6. Fixed dose combinations of Iron with Strychnine, Arsenic and Yohimbine.

7. Fixed dose combinations of Sodium Bromide/chloral hydrate with other drugs.

8. Phenacetin.

9. Fixed dose combinations of antihistaminic with anti-diarrhoeals.

          10. Fixed dose combinations of Penicillin with Sulphonamides.

11. Fixed dose combinations of Vitamins with Analgesics.

    B     12.Fixed dose combinations of  any other Tetracycline with Vitamin C. 

    E     13.Fixed dose combinations of Hydroxyquinoline group of drugs with any other drug   except for preparations meant for external use.

  ccc    14. Fixed dose combinations of Corticosteroids with any other drug for internal use.

  ccc    15. Fixed dose combinations of Chloramphenicol with any other drug for internal use.

16.Fixed dose combinations of crude Ergot preparations except those containing Ergotamine, Caffeine, analgesics, antihistamines for the treatment of migraine, headaches.

17.Fixed dose combinations of Vitamins with Anti TB drugs except combination of Isoniazid with Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).

18. Penicillin skin/eye Ointment.

19. Tetracycline Liquid Oral preparations.

20. Nialamide.

21. Practolol.

    22. Methapyrilene, its salts.

  
c    23. Methaqualone.

&   24. Oxytetracycline Liquid Oral preparations.

&   25. Demeclocycline Liquid Oral preparations.

T    26. Combination of anabolic Steroids with other drugs.

cc  27.Fixed dose combination of Oestrogen and Progestin (other than oral contraceptive) containing per tablet estrogen content of more than 50 mcg (equivalent to Ethinyl Estradiol) and progestin content of more than 3 mg (equivalent to Norethisterone Acetate) and all fixed dose combination injectable preparations containing synthetic Oestrogen and Progesterone. (Subs. By Noti. No. 743 (E) dt 10-08-1989)

    28.Fixed dose combination of Sedatives/ hypnotics/anxiolytics with   analgesics-antipyretics.

J    29.Fixed dose combination of Rifampicin, isoniazid and Pyrazinamide, except those which provide daily adult dose given below:

Drugs                             Minimum                 Maximum

Rifampicin                      450 mg                   600 mg

Isoniazid                              300 mg                       400 mg

Pyrazinamide                  1000mg                  1500 mg

   30. Fixed dose combination of Histamine H-2 receptor antagonists with antacids except for those combinations approved by Drugs Controller, India.

   31.The patent and proprietary medicines of fixed dose combinations of essential oils with alcohol having percentage higher than 20% proof except preparations given in the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

   32. All Pharmaceutical preparations containing Chloroform exceeding 0.5% w/w or v/v
   whichever is appropriate.

 33.Fixed dose combination of Ethambutol with INH other than the following: INH
  Ethambutol 200 mg. 600 mg. 300 mg. 800 mg.

      34. Fixed dose combination containing more than one antihistamine.

   B35.Fixed dose combination of any anthelmintic with cathartic/purgative except for
          piperazine/Santonim.

   J 36. Fixed dose combination of Salbutamol or any other drug having primarily bronchodilatory activity with centrally acting anti-tussive and/or antihistamine.

      37.Fixed dose combination of laxatives and/or anti-spasmodic drugs in enzyme preparations.

  G 38.Fixed dose combination of Metoclopramide with systemically absorbed drugs except fixed dose combination of metoclopramide with aspirin/paracetamol

     39.Fixed dose combination of centrally acting, antitussive with antihistamine, having high atropine like activity in expectorants.

     40.Preparations claiming to combat cough associated with asthma containing centrally acting antitussive and/ or an antihistamine.

     41.Liquid oral tonic preparations containing glycerophosphates and/or other phosphates and / or central nervous system stimulant and such preparations containing alcohol more than 20% proof.

     42.Fixed dose combination containing Pectin and/or Kaolin with any drug which is systemically absorbed from GI tract except for combinations of Pectin and/or Kaolin with drugs not systemically absorbed.

   43. Chloral Hydrate as a drug.

    b   44. Dovers Powder I.P.

    b   45. Dover’s Powder Tablets I.P.

    A   46.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Kaolin or Pectin or Attapulgite or Activated Charcoal.

    A  47.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Phthalyl Sulphathiazole or Sulphaguanidine or Succinyl Sulphathiazole.

    A  48.Antidiarrhoeal formulations containing Neomycin or Streptomycin or Dihydrostreptomycin  including their respective salts or esters.

    A  49.Liquid Oral antidiarrhoeals or any other dosage form for pediatric use containing Diphenoxylate Lorloperamide or Atropine or Belladona including their salts or esters or metabolites Hyoscyamine or their extracts or their alkaloids.

    A  50.Liquid Oral antidiarrhoeals or any other dosage form for pediatric use containing halogenated hydroxyquinolines.

    A  51. Fixed dose combination of antidiarrhoeals with electrolytes.

    C  52. Patent and Proprietary Oral Rehydration Salts other than those conforming to the 

    D  53. Fixed dose combination of Oxyphenbutazone or Phenylbutazone with any other drug.

   H.D54. Fixed dose combination of Analgin with any other drug.

     D 55. Fixed dose combination of dextropropoxyphene with any other drug other than anti-spasmodics and/or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

     D 56. Fixed dose combination of a drug, standards of which are prescribed in the Second Schedule to the said Act with an Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug.

     F 57. Mepacrine Hydrochloride (Quinacrine and its salts) in any dosage form for use for female sterilization or contraception.

     F  58. Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine.

     I  59. Fixed dose combination of Diazepam and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride .

    K  60. Rimonabant.

     L 61 Rosiglitazone

     M 62 Nimesulide formulations for human use in children below 12 years of age.

    M 63. Cisapride and its formulations for human use.

    M 64. Phenylpropanolamine and its formulation for human use.

   M 65. Human Placental Extract and its formulations for human use.

   M 66. Sibutramine and its formulations for human use, and

   M 67. R-Sibutramine and its formulations for human use.

    N 68. Gatifloxacin formulation for systemic use in human by any route including oral and injectable

    N 69. Tegaserod and its formulation for human use.
LIST OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED

    The Principal Notification GSR 578 (E) dt.23.7.83.

c    Added b GSR 4(E) dated 31.01.1984

&   Added b GSR 322(E) dated 03.05.1984\

T    Amended by GSR 863(E) dated 22.11.1985

cc   Amended by GSR 743(E) dated 10.08.1989

ccc Amended by GSR 1057(E) dated 03.11.1988

    Added by GSR 999(E) dated 26.12.1990

            Added by GSR 69(E) dated 11.02.1991

       xxx    Added by GSR 304(E) dated 7.06.1990

     @   Added by GSR 444(E) dated 7.06.1992

      b   Added by GSR 111(E) dated 22.02.1994

      A   Added by GSR 731(E) dated 30.09.1994

      B   Added by GSR 848(E) dated 7.12.1994

      C   Added by GSR 57(E) dated 7.02.1995

      D   Added by GSR 633(E) dated 13.09.1995

      E   Added by GSR 793(E) dated 13.03.1995

           Added by GSR 93(E) dated 25.05.1997

      F   Added by GSR 499(E) dated 14.08.1998

      G   Added by GSR 394(E) dated 19.05.1999

      H   Added by GSR 405(E) dated 3.06.1999

      I    Added by GSR 169(E) dated 12.03.2001

      J   Added by GSR 290(E) dated 16.04.2008

       K   Added by GSR 885(E) dated 11.12.2009

        L. Added by GSR 910(E) dated 12.11.2010

    M.  Added by GSR 82(E) dated 10.03.2011

    N.  Added by GSR 218(E) dated 16.03.2011

LIST OF DRUGS PROHIBITED FOR IMPORT

           1. Nialamide

        2. Practolol

        3. Amidopyrine

        4. Phenacetin

        5. Methapyrilene and its salts

   a   6. Methaqualone

   b   7. Chloral Hydrate as a drug

   c   8. Mepacrine Hydrochloride ( Quinacrine and its Salts) in any dosage form for use for female sterilization or contraception.

        9. Fenfluramine and Dexfenfluramine]

   d   10. Rimonabant

LIST OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED

    a  Added by GSR 48(E) dated 31.1.1984

    b  Added by GSR 303(E) dated 7.6.1991

    c  Added by GSR 498(E) dated 14.8.1998

    d Added by GSR 884(E) dated 11.12.2009



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Importance of Good Dental Hygiene

Good dental hygiene is very important to our health. It eliminates or reduces bacteria in the mouth that can lead to inflammation that can lead to heart disease and other complications. Luckily you can banish these bad boys by keeping your teeth clean.

Unhealthy bacteria converts sugars from food into lactic acid which creates a sticky layer of plaque on the teeth, destroying tooth enamel and leading to cavities.  For prevention, look for toothpaste that contains cranberry extract and green tea which will keep bacteria from sticking to the teeth. And licorice root and meem to chase away plaque.  And most important diet, limit sticky sugary foods, candies and processed flour foods. Snack on crunchy foods like apples and carrots. They help sweep away food debris, and their high water content and saliva they promote dilutes bacteria.


Bacteria under gums cause inflamed tissue that is prone to bleeding. Floss and picks help dislodge bacteria. B vitamins encourage red blood cell development which is critical for good gum health. Be sure to get plenty of Omega 3 in the diet or take supplements. Eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A,C and E, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, beets, citrus fruits and eggs should do the trick.

Your teeth usually darken as you age, also drinking coffee and tea doesn’t help. You can try whitening toothpastes, whitening pens, mouthwashes, or strips containing hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down in water. They are safe for home use if concentration is no more than 3 percent. Dentists use stronger concentrations. You can also use whitening products like silica, baking powder and bamboo powder.


Bad breath is another factor of bad dental hygiene.  Although, it can be the result of nasal drip, low saliva, acid reflux, or dry mouth. Each creates a low saliva or high acid environment, which causes bacteria to accumulate in sticky, odor causing plaque. Some foods are well known for creating bad breath, such as onions, garlic which produce sulphur compounds responsible for the rotten egg syndrome. Protein rich foods such as cheese, milk and fish create a breeding ground for bacteria,as do acidic drinks like coffee and orange juice.

Eating foods that kill bacteria and keep it from sticking to teeth is an good antidote for bad breath. Green tea, cranberry, and other antioxidants will prevent bad breath. When gums recede from improper brushing or aging, cold and hot foods can cause discomfort. Ease the pain  with products that contain potassium nitrate, or herbs like chamomile, clove oil and myrrh. They have a history of helping pain, inflammation and healing tissue wounds.

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Medicinal Properties of Lovage

Lovage has been used to treat indigestion, arthritis, Bronchitis, painful menstruation and flatulence. It can also be used as a diuretic.
Lovage is a tall perennial plant that is a strong aromatic spice.  It has long been used in cooking, but the seeds, leaves and roots have many medicinal properties and it’s very high in vitamin C.


Lovage has been used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite, stomach and gallbladder insufficiency, feeling of fullness after meals, slow digestion, Rheumatism, arthritis, Bronchitis, gout, cough, problems with urination, kidneys and prostate, sore throats, colic, kidney stones, cystitis, painful menstruation and flatulence.  It has also been used to purify blood, as a diuretic and as a deodorant if added to the bath water.

INTERESTIG FACTS AND HISTORICAL REFERENCES
The Greeks referred to Lovage as Ligustikon.
Lovage was mentioned by the Emperor Charlemagne.  He said that it should be grown in every imperial garden.
Lovage has been used since Greek and Roman times as a seasoning in food, additive to medicines and as an ingredient in love potions.


According to CooksInfo.com Lovage was dug up at night on Good Friday in order to help ward off either witches or the influence of the Devil.
Lovage has been used for medicinal purposes as early as the 14th Century. It is also known as Ligusticum Levisticum, Old English Lovage, Cornish Lovage, Italian Lovage, Love Persley and Sea Persley.  Lovage should not be taken if pregnant or have kidney disease.

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Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has the ability to boost the immune system, aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, relieve indigestion, improve energy levels, relieve sore throats and coughs, clear up acne, slow aging and relieve morning sickness.

Honey is best known as a sweet food that is made by bees using the nectar of flowers, but it has long been used for its abundance of health benefits.  It has been recorded in history as the most used medicine in ancient Egypt. 


Honey has the ability to boost the immune system, aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of heart disease, relieve indigestion, improve energy levels, relieve sore throats and coughs, clear up acne, slow aging and relieve morning sickness.

Honey is best known as a sweet food that is made by bees using the nectar of flowers, but it has long been used for its abundance of health benefits.  It has been recorded in history as the most used medicine in ancient Egypt. 

HISTORICAL REFERENCES AND INTERESTING FACTS
Bees swallow, digest and regurgitate nectar to make honey.
The honey bee first appeared about 130 million years ago.
Honey bees evolved from short-tongued, spheciform wasps.
According to Gousiaris.gr, In 2700 BC, the first records of the pharmaceutical and nutritional value of honey were found in Mesopotamia, the birthplace of the first organized communities.
The Romans used honey to heal their wounds after battles.
Honey has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years.
Darker honey usually has higher antioxidant levels.  The only health benefits of honey that have been scientifically proven are for wound care and cough suppression, but many continue to stand behind this ancient remedy for almost every illness and ailment there is.

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Fish Oil Supplements Good for Type 2 Diabetes

Widely-used fish oil supplements modestly increase amounts of a hormone that is associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to a study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).

Fish oil supplements, also called omega 3 fatty acid capsules, raise levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream. Adiponectin is an important hormone that has beneficial effects on metabolic processes like glucose regulation and the modulation of inflammation. In long-term human studies, higher levels of adiponectin are associated with lower risks of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

"While prior animal studies found fish oil increased circulating adiponectin, whether similar effects apply in humans is not established," said the study's lead author, Jason Wu, PhD, of the Harvard School of Public Health. "By reviewing evidence from existing randomized clinical trials, we found that fish oil supplementation caused modest increases in adiponectin in the blood of humans."

The meta-analysis reviewed and analyzed results from 14 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. In total, 682 subjects were treated with fish oil, and 641 were given placebos -- most commonly olive and sunflower oils. In those taking fish oil, adiponectin levels increased by 0.37 ug/mL. The results also suggested the effect of fish oil on adiponectin differed substantially across the trials, suggesting that fish oil supplementation may have stronger influence on adiponectin in some populations and weaker effects in others.

This is the first study to pool data from previous trials to suggest that fish oil consumption increases adiponectin in humans. The findings quantify the potential impact of fish oil on adiponectin level, and highlight the need to further investigate populations that may particularly benefit from fish oil supplementation.

"Although higher levels of adiponectin in the bloodstream have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, whether fish oil influences glucose metabolism and development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear," said Wu. "However, results from our study suggest that higher intake of fish oil may moderately increase blood level of adiponectin, and these results support potential benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism."

Despite the uncertainty about the effectiveness of fish oil on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, about 37 percent of adults and 31 percent of children nationwide use omega-3 supplements, according to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Other researchers working on the study include: L. Cahill and D. Mozaffarian of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA. The National Institutes of Health's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute provided grants to support this work.


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Home remedies to tackle indigestion

Your stomach is the most dependable and agreeable organ, if you treat it right. A healthy stomach is an exceptionally tough organ. Rarely will it give serious trouble if you are leading a happy, peaceful life. But it can give a hard time, if you are emotionally upset and tense. A balanced digestive system can boost your immunity and help stave off disease. Does your stomach feel heavy? Do you burp frequently, or suffer from acidity and heartburn? Most of us know that these symptoms are related to indigestion but before we swallow a pill, we may try any of the following remedies.

Lime and ginger : These simple ingredients are easily available in everyone’s kitchen. All you need is two spoons of lime and ginger juice, and honey mixed in a glass of warm water. This can be taken after a heavy meal.

Oranges : Try eating an orange after every meal and it will keep indigestion at bay. Experts opine that eating oranges gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies adequate nutrition.

Grapes : Experts claim that there is a connection between grapes and a healthy stomach. This juicy fruit is known to eliminate indigestion and tummy irritation.

Lemon : If looking for prevention, then it is best to drink hot lemon water —- one teaspoon of lemon juice in a cup of hot water—- before your meal. It is known to prevent acid indigestion. Lemon juice also helps by fighting bacteria.

Garlic and soya : Whenever you suffer from stomach pain, mix equal amounts of garlic and soya oil and massage over your stomach. Allow the oil to be absorbed by the skin. It also gives instant relief from indigestion.

Soda : Take one spoonful of baking soda mix it in a glass of water and gulp it. It will give you instant relief from stomach pain and reduce indigestion.

Coriander cure : Mix some cumin seeds and coriander leaf juice with a glass of water and add a pinch of salt. Drink to get rid of pain in the stomach. One can also try mixing two teaspoons of coriander, one teaspoon of ginger, three cloves of cardamom, in a glass of water to relieve gas trouble.

Wonders of water and ice :Doctors in the US, recommend placing an ice bag on your stomach for atleast half an hour after meals to ease the pain. Or you could even try taking a cold bath or alternative hot and cold hip baths at night for a stress-free stomach. Drinking a glass or two of water before a meal can help you practice portion control. This is a great tip to avoid overeating that may lead to obesity.

Digestive drinks : Drinking buttermilk after every meal is an effective way to prevent indigestion, as it speeds up the digestive process. Mint tea and blackberry tea are two other concoctions that can be taken to cope with stomach problems.

Carom seeds (Ajwain) Mixed with a little rock salt is yet another cure for stomach troubles.

Peppermint oil : The essential oil of the peppermint plant has anti-spasmodic properties which help relax the digestive system’s muscles, that ultimately can prevent the onset of bloating and gas.

Triphala : This classic Ayurvedic remedy helps with digestion, absorption and elimination.It’s also a prebiotic, which helps the good flora in the body to flourish, protect the intestines against inflammation due to toxin damage.

Vinegar : For thousands of years, ancient healers trusted apple cider vinegar as a wonder cure. From Bible to Cleopatra to the fierce Samurai warriors of Japan, vinegar has been documented as a powerful tonic to ensure strength, power and long life. There are recipesthat mix vinegar with other common household items to help calm an upset stomach and aid digestion.

Wine therapy : The Apostle Paul once advised Timothy : ” Use a little wine for sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.”

Emotions : Fear, wrath, anger, anxiety or constant tension and stress, can disturb your digestive system. Practicing of qualities such as love, compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind and mildness, can eventually produce healing in the human body. Rejoice in the lord.

By Dr Tej K Munshi

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Vegetable Juices Better Than Whole Veggies

One is always confused about eating vegetables raw or in the form of a juice. And rightly so, juicing vegetables is a much harder task than juicing vegetables.

For one, we need to add a lot more flavor to vegetable juices to make them drinkable. But even if you are inclined toward drinking a tasteless vegetable juice for health reasons, how effective will it be? Well, we all have doubts, so let's figure out which one is better: Vegetable juice or whole vegetables.

Most health guidelines recommend that one must consume two to three cups of vegetables every day. This requirement may go up or down, based on your activity level and physical characteristics. Vegetable juices are seen as an easy way out of the monotonous vegetable cooking and chewing process through the day. A juice entails juicing a vegetable, therefore removing pulp and roughage.

Both eating your vegetables and juicing your vegetables will give you essential nutrients needed by the body to help fight disease. But juicing will give you more of those nutrients than just eating your vegetables. Intrigued? Here's why...

Digestion

Now solid food takes several hours to break down, decompose and provide nutrition, in case of juices, it's much easier and quick.

No fiber

Now juicing primarily gets rid of the fiber in the vegetable that is drained out and what you drink gets easily absorbed in the body. They get assimilated very easily with minimal effort, and the nourishment is available almost instantly to the whole array of cells in the body. The exertion on the part of the digestive system is also very fast.

But should you quit whole vegetables completely?

No! You can still munch on carrots and other vegetable side dishes during meals. Your body does need dietary fiber, which might not carry nutritional value but acts as a cleaner for the digestive tract and intestines.

A cup of unprocessed carrots contains roughly 7 grams of fiber. On the other hand, a cup of carrot juice is almost totally devoid of fiber.

Therefore, get that fiber from your meals, but make up for any vegetable shortfalls and extra requirements in the day with vegetable juices.

Nutritional vs bodily enzymes

Our body possesses countless cells and tissues that have their own enzymes requirements and production to perform a whole range of tasks. The ones that are made available from eating raw vegetables or juices work in conjunction with the already present ones. So one need not cut off raw vegetables completely. Striking the right balance is essential.


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