Why Is Codeine Cough Syrup In The News? Expert Shares Its Health Risks

Codeine-based cough syrups are in the news, for all the wrong reasons. There has been an ongoing crackdown on the illegal distribution of this restricted drug in India. If you want to know more about the news as well as what codeine is, then this article is for you.

To get a better understanding of this, we got in touch with Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon. Read on.

Why Is Codeine-based Cough Syrup In News?

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), Uttar Pradesh, has reportedly intensified its crackdown on the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups and other narcotic (NDPS) medicines of late. Police arrested Bhola Prasad. He is the owner of Jharkhand-based Shaili Traders and father of alleged codeine cough syrup syndicate mastermind Shubham Jaiswal. This marks the second major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on illegal distribution of this restricted drug.

The network reportedly has sourced cough syrup from a Himachal Pradesh manufacturer before sending it through warehouses in Ghaziabad and Varanasi to Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Nepal. As per report, Bhola Prasad was arrested at Kolkata airport, while he was attempting to fly to Thailand.

Also Read: Cough Syrup Controversy: Can It Lead to Deaths? What We Should Know

Health Risks Of Codeine-based Cough Syrup

On this note, Dr Tayal speaks about the health risks associated with consumption of codeine-based cough syrups. “Codeine is an opioid, so even at prescribed doses it can cause several side effects. Common reactions include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing. Because codeine acts on the central nervous system, it can also impair alertness, reaction time, and coordination,” shares the expert.

He adds, “At higher doses — or when misused — the risks become more serious. These include severe respiratory depression (dangerously slow or shallow breathing), low blood pressure, confusion, dependence, and overdose. Mixing codeine with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids significantly increases the risk of respiratory failure. Long-term or frequent use can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, if the syrup is abruptly stopped.”

Is Codeine Banned In India?

One question that is often asked is – is codeine banned in India? Dr Tayal answers this for you.

“No, it is not banned in India, but it is strictly regulated. Cough syrups containing codeine fall under Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, which means they can only be sold on a valid prescription, must be recorded in a pharmacy register, and cannot be sold over the counter. The government has periodically cracked down on the misuse and illegal distribution of codeine-based syrups, but they remain available for legitimate medical use under controlled conditions,” explains Dr Tayal.

Is Codeine-based Cough Syrup Addictive?

But is codeine-based cough syrup being used as a narcotic? Dr Tayal sheds light on this.

“Yes. Codeine has addictive potential because it is converted into morphine in the body and activates opioid receptors that produce relaxation and mild euphoria. This can lead to psychological dependence, tolerance (needing higher doses to feel the same effect), and physical dependence,” shares the expert.

“Codeine-based cough syrups are among the most commonly misused pharmaceutical opioids in India. When consumed in high doses, repeatedly, or without medical supervision, they can act like a narcotic and lead to serious health complications, including overdose. This is why they are tightly regulated and monitored under Indian law,” concludes Dr Tayal.

Also Read: WHO Issues Global Alert After Cough Syrup Deaths in India, Here's What We Know

Conclusion

The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has reportedly intensified its crackdown on the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups in parts of India. Codeine is an opioid, so even at prescribed doses it can cause several side effects. They are among the most commonly misused pharmaceutical opioids in India.