Jan 8, 2025

In a significant regulatory move, the Indian government has imposed a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all formulations of nimesulide, a commonly used painkiller for animals. The decision, which was officially notified on December 30, 2024, is the result of growing concerns about the drug’s toxicity, particularly to vultures, and follows extensive research and recommendations by expert committees.

The recommendation for a national ban was made by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) during its meeting on January 25, 2024. The DTAB, which is tasked with advising the government on matters related to the safety and regulation of drugs, thoroughly reviewed the available evidence before concluding that nimesulide’s harmful effects on vultures outweighed any potential benefits for veterinary use.

Following this recommendation, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, acted swiftly to enforce the ban under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The ban prohibits the production and distribution of nimesulide for veterinary use across India, citing the risks it poses to both animal health and wildlife.

For complete order please click on the link :CDSCO official Gazette Notification