NPPA Caps Prices of Ipratropium, Sodium Nitroprusside, Two Other Essential Drugs
New Delhi: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has fixed the ceiling prices of four scheduled formulations, bringing down the maximum permissible retail prices for widely used medicines across respiratory, cardiovascular, antiseptic, and critical care categories.
The order was published via a Gazette notification dated August 1, 2025, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The revised list includes Ipratropium Respirator Solution, Sodium Nitroprusside Injection, Povidone Iodine Ointment, and Diltiazem Modified Release Capsules. These drugs are commonly used in both outpatient and hospital settings, and the ceiling price revisions aim to improve affordability and access to essential treatments.
As per the NPPA notification, Ipratropium, a bronchodilator used in nebulizer therapy for conditions like asthma and COPD, has been priced at Rs 2.96 per mL for the 250 mcg/mL solution. Sodium Nitroprusside, a critical care injectable used to manage hypertensive crises, is now capped at Rs 28.99 per mL for the 10 mg/mL strength. Povidone Iodine Ointment 10%, a staple antiseptic in wound care and infection prevention, has been fixed at Rs 6.26 per gram, and Diltiazem 180 mg Modified Release Capsules, used in the management of hypertension and angina, are priced at Rs 26.72 per capsule.
In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraphs 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17 and 18 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, read with S.O. 1394(E) dated 30th May, 2013 and S.O. 5249(E) dated 11th November, 2022 issued by the Government of India in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and in supersession of the Order of the Government of India in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) S.O. 1487(E) dated 27th March, 2025 in so far as it relates to formulation packs mentioned in the table below, except in respect of things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has fixed the price as specified in column (5) of the table herein below as ceiling price exclusive of goods and services tax applicable, if any, in respect of the Scheduled formulation specified in the corresponding entry in column (2) of the said Table with the dosage form & strength and unit specified respectively in the corresponding entries in columns (3) and (4) thereof:
Table
Sl. No. | Medicines | Dosage form and strength | Unit | Ceiling Price (Rs.) |
(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) |
1. | Ipratropium | Respirator solution for use in nebulizer 250mcg/mL | 1 ml | 2.96 |
2. | Sodium nitroprusside | Injection10mg/mL | 1 ml | 28.99 |
3. | Povidone iodine | Ointment 10% | 1 gm | 6.26 |
4. | Diltiazem | Modified Release Capsule 180mg | 1 Capsule | 26.72 |
The Gazette further added;
- All manufacturers of scheduled formulation, selling the branded or generic or both the versions of scheduled formulations at a price higher than the ceiling price (plus Goods and Services Tax as applicable) so fixed and notified by the Government, shall revise the prices of all such formulations downward not exceeding the ceiling price specified in column (5) in the above table plus goods and services tax as applicable, if any.
- All the existing manufacturers of above-mentioned scheduled formulations having MRP lower than the ceiling price specified in column (5) in the above table (plus Goods and Services Tax as applicable, if any), shall continue to maintain the existing MRP in accordance with paragraph 13 (2) of the DPCO, 2013.
- The manufacturers may add Goods and Services Tax only if they have paid actually or if it is payable to the Government on the ceiling price mentioned in column (5) of the above said table.
- The ceiling price for a pack of the scheduled formulation shall be arrived at by the concerned manufacturer in accordance with the ceiling price specified in column (5) of the above table as per provisions contained in paragraph 11 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The manufacturer shall issue a price list in Form–V from date of Notification as per paragraph 24 of the DPCO, 2013 to NPPA through IPDMS and submit a copy to State Drug Controller and dealers.
- As per para 24(4) of DPCO 2013, every retailer and dealer shall display price list and the supplementary price list, if any, as furnished by the manufacturer, on a conspicuous part of the premises where he carries on business in a manner so as to be easily accessible to any person wishing to consult the same.
- Where an existing manufacturer of scheduled formulation with dosage or strength or both as specified in the above table launches a new drug as per paragraph 2(1)(u) of the DPCO, 2013 such existing manufacturer shall apply for prior price approval of such new drug to the NPPA in Form I as specified under Schedule-II of the DPCO, 2013.
- The manufacturers of above said scheduled formulations shall furnish quarterly return to the NPPA, in respect of production / import and sale of scheduled formulations in Form-III of Schedule-II of the DPCO, 2013 through IPDMS. Any manufacturer intending to discontinue production of above said scheduled formulation shall furnish information to the NPPA, in respect of discontinuation of production and / or import of scheduled formulation in Form-IV of Schedule-II of the DPCO, 2013 at least six months prior to the intended date of discontinuation.
- The manufacturers not complying with the ceiling price and notes specified hereinabove shall be liable to deposit the overcharged amount along with interest thereon under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 read with Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
- Consequent to the issue of ceiling price of such formulation as specified in column (2) of the above table in this notification, the price order(s) fixing ceiling or retail price, if any, issued prior to the above said date of notification, stand(s) superseded.
