Govt moves high-alcohol liquid medicines to Schedule H1, tightening pharmacy sales

Health ministry reclassifies oral liquids with over 12% alcohol in bottles above 30ml to restricted Schedule H1, mandating prescriptions and stricter record-keeping. Cough syrups and tonics affected; chemists and manufacturers get a six-month compliance window.

— Filed Fri, 10 Jul, 2026, 14:14 IST · Source Mint · Industry · Updated

Health ministry moved oral liquid medicines with over 12% alcohol in bottles above 30ml to restricted Schedule H1, requiring prescriptions and stricter pharmacy record-keeping. Affects cough syrups, tonics; chemists and manufacturers get six months to comply.