In its NSQ Drug list April 2025 quality check, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) found that 196 batches of medicines and drug formulations did not meet the required quality standards. This list of substandard drugs includes a fixed combination of teneligliptin and metformin hydrochloride, which is used for treating high blood pressure, and antibiotics like cefpodoxime proxetil tablets. Some pain-relief medicines that mix paracetamol with either nimesulide or aceclofenac were also included, along with several cough syrups and allergy medications. Out of the 196 samples marked as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), 60 were tested by central drug labs, and the remaining 136 were checked by state laboratories.
According to a note from the health ministry, these quality issues are limited to the specific batches that were tested and do not affect other batches or similar medicines available in the market.
- CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NSQ LIST APRIL 2025 BY CDSCO
- CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NSQ LIST APRIL 2025 BY STATE
ย What Is NSQ Drug List April 2025?
NSQ stands for Not of Standard Quality.
Every month, the Indian drug authorities test many medicine samples from across the country. If any sample fails in quality tests (like strength, purity, or safety), it is marked as NSQ. This month, the official list is called the NSQ Drug List April 2025.
According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), 196 samples were declared NSQ in April 2025.
This is a big number โ and it includes some common medicines like:
Paracetamol (used for fever)
Amoxicillin (antibiotic)
Telmisartan (blood pressure medicine)
Multivitamins
ย Why Medicines Fail Quality Test?
Medicines fail the quality test for many reasons. Some of the main reasons are:
Reason | What it means |
---|---|
๐ Low Potency | The medicine is too weak to work properly |
๐ฆ Contamination | The medicine contains harmful substances |
๐ฆ Wrong Labeling | The label has incorrect or missing information |
๐ง Poor Dissolution | The tablet does not dissolve properly in the body |
๐ Expired Ingredients | Old or spoiled chemicals used |
All these problems can affect your health. Thatโs why such samples are added to the NSQ Drug List April 2025 and removed from the market.
ย Who Finds These NSQ Drugs?
The CDSCO works along with State Drug Controllers and Government Testing Laboratories. They randomly collect medicine samples from hospitals, pharmacies, and medical stores.
These samples are sent to labs like:
Central Drugs Laboratory (Kolkata)
RDTL (Regional Drug Testing Laboratory)
State Government Labs
After detailed testing, if a sample fails, it becomes part of the NSQ Drug List April 2025.
ย What Happens After Drugs Are Declared NSQ?
Once a medicine batch is declared NSQ:
The information is published in the official NSQ Drug List April 2025
Drug Inspectors are informed
The company is asked to stop selling that batch
Legal action can be taken against the manufacturer
The drugs are recalled from pharmacies and hospitals
This process helps in keeping the public safe from harmful or ineffective medicines.
ย Important Facts About NSQ Drug List April 2025
Here are some quick facts:
โ 196 drug samples declared NSQ
๐ซ A few samples were found spurious (fake)
๐ Most samples failed due to low potency
๐ญ Many NSQ drugs were made by small or regional pharma companies
๐ The full report is available on the CDSCO and Health Master websites
The NSQ Drug List April 2025 has raised major concerns across Indiaโs healthcare sector.
ย How Does It Affect You?
You may be using one of the medicines that are part of the NSQ Drug List April 2025 without knowing it. If thatโs the case, it can be dangerous.
For example:
A weak antibiotic may not kill the infection
A poor-quality BP medicine may fail to control blood pressure
Contaminated drugs may cause allergic reactions or side effects
So itโs important to check your medicineโs batch number with the official NSQ list.
ย How To Check If Your Medicine Is Safe?
Follow these steps:
Look at the medicine strip or bottle
Find the Batch Number and Manufacturing Date
Visit the official CDSCO website or search for NSQ Drug List April 2025 PDF
Compare your batch number with the list
If it matches โ Stop using it immediately
Contact your doctor or pharmacist
Always keep a copy or photo of your medicines for safety.
ย What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is On The NSQ List?
โ Do not panic
๐ Call your doctor for a replacement
๐ Stop using that batch immediately
๐ Ask the medical store for a refund or exchange
๐ธ Take a photo of the strip/bottle for complaint, if needed
If you feel sick after taking the medicine, go to the nearest hospital.
ย What Are The Government And Companies Doing?
After the NSQ Drug List April 2025 was released:
Government has started recalling the bad batches
Drug inspectors are doing surprise checks at pharmacies
Pharma companies have been asked to improve quality control
Some companies may get licenses cancelled
The aim is to make sure only safe and effective drugs reach patients.
ย Why Is Public Awareness Important?
Even though the government is taking steps, public awareness is the biggest weapon. People must know:
What NSQ drugs are
How to check the NSQ Drug List April 2025
What actions to take if they find a problem
Doctors, chemists, and even medical students should help in spreading this information.
ย Real Example From April 2025
One of the samples on the NSQ Drug List April 2025 was a Paracetamol syrup used for children. It had less active ingredient than required. This could have failed to reduce fever in kids and caused harm.
This is why regular testing and awareness is so important.
ย Final Checklist: How To Stay Safe
Hereโs a simple checklist for everyone:
โ
Buy medicines from trusted medical stores
โ
Always check expiry date and batch number
โ
Save your medicine bills and strips
โ
Stay updated with the NSQ Drug List April 2025
โ
Talk to your doctor if you have any doubt
โ
Report any side effects to nearest health centre
ย Conclusion
The release of the NSQ Drug List April 2025 is a wake-up call. It reminds us that not all medicines in the market are safe. But with the right information, you can protect yourself and your family.
Always stay alert. Always double-check.
If you are taking any medicines, take 2 minutes today to check the batch number online. It could save your life!