The National Drug and Cosmetic Authority has issued a special circular to all pharmacies in Sri Lanka prohibiting the issue of Corex - D syrup to patients without a doctor's prescription.
This is to prevent its abuse as a substitute for alcohol by a large number of schoolchildren and adults, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said. He said it is reported that a significant number of school children and adults use Corex - D syrup as a substitute for alcohol.
This syrup prescribed by doctors for cough and influenza is a drug that is included in the 'Schedule - 2' category which means that it should be only issued under a doctor's prescription.
Hence, even before the issue of this special circular, it was illegal to issue the syrup without a prescription.
Corex-D contains 'Codeine' which is a valium. This is an addictive substance. When a person takes it once he/she driven to take it again and again.
Taken in extra doses Corex- D could cause temporary failure in the nerves system which is similar to the effect of alcohol. Only Paracetamol and similar drugs come under the category `Schedule - 1' which means that the pharmacies are allowed to issue such drugs to the patients without a doctor's prescription.
This is to prevent its abuse as a substitute for alcohol by a large number of schoolchildren and adults, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said. He said it is reported that a significant number of school children and adults use Corex - D syrup as a substitute for alcohol.
This syrup prescribed by doctors for cough and influenza is a drug that is included in the 'Schedule - 2' category which means that it should be only issued under a doctor's prescription.
Hence, even before the issue of this special circular, it was illegal to issue the syrup without a prescription.
Corex-D contains 'Codeine' which is a valium. This is an addictive substance. When a person takes it once he/she driven to take it again and again.
Taken in extra doses Corex- D could cause temporary failure in the nerves system which is similar to the effect of alcohol. Only Paracetamol and similar drugs come under the category `Schedule - 1' which means that the pharmacies are allowed to issue such drugs to the patients without a doctor's prescription.
