State Drug Alert: From Antibiotics to Antihypertensives, 134 Samples Found NSQ in February Audit

New Delhi: Reflecting ongoing concerns over drug quality in India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged 134 drug samples as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in its February 2026 alert, based on reports submitted by State Drug Testing Laboratories across the country.

These findings are based on samples collected by state drug inspectors and analyzed at various State Drug Testing Laboratories (SDTLs).

The alert covers a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical formulations including tablets, capsules, injections, syrups, suspensions, ointments, powders, and veterinary products. The affected drugs span multiple therapeutic categories such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, analgesics, gastrointestinal drugs, dermatological preparations, psychotropic medicines, and nutritional supplements.

The list includes several well-known formulations, such as Gabapentin capsules IP 400mg manufactured by Levotic Pharma, Glipizide Tablets IP 5 mg manufactured by Hindustan Laboratories, Levocetirizine Tablets IP 5 mg manufactured by Ripcord Pharmaceuticals, Aspirin Gastro-resistant Tablets IP 75 mg manufactured by Unicure India, Telmisartan Tablets IP 40 mg manufactured by Quality Pharma Production, Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets IP manufactured by Vats Biotech and many others.

The list further includes Flunarizine Tablets IP 10mg manufactured by Pure & Cure Healthcare, Telmisartan Tablets IP 40mg manufactured by Marc Lifesciences, and Diclofenac Sodium Injection manufactured by Neon Laboratories.

A significant number of samples were found to have failed critical quality parameters, with the most frequent issues observed in dissolution tests, followed by failures in assay and content uniformity, sterility and bacterial endotoxins, as well as disintegration and description-related defects. Additionally, deviations were noted in pH and identification tests. In some cases, more serious concerns emerged, including the complete absence of active ingredients such as Clavulanic acid and Vitamin D3, incorrect or excessive drug content, and microbial contamination due to sterility failures in injectable products.

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, a drug is classified as Not of Standard Quality if it fails to meet the prescribed standards outlined in the official pharmacopeia such as IP, BP, or USP. Section 16(1)(a) defines these standards, ensuring that marketed drugs comply with safety, efficacy, and quality requirements.

Also Read:NSQ Drug Alert: 60 Batches Including Paracetamol, Cefixime, Telmisartan Fail CDSCO Quality Tests in February