The government has issued a big warning regarding Ranitidine, a medicine used for stomach gas. In such a situation, before using any medicine kept inside the house, definitely consult a doctor. 

It happens many times that we use medicines kept at home for minor ailments. But very few people know how dangerous it is to do so. Consuming any medicine kept at home at any time is not free from danger, it is necessary to take the advice of a doctor or expert before using any kind of medicine. Recently, the government has issued a warning regarding Ranitidine, which is famous for acidity and gas problems.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued instructions to all states and union territories regarding Ranitidine medicine that the companies manufacturing this medicine should monitor the presence of NDMA in Ranitidine. The government has expressed apprehension of the presence of carcinogenic elements in this medicine. NDMA is a potential carcinogenic element, the presence of which has been a concern for the past few years.

Who issued the instructions?

This directive has been issued by Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) Dr. Rajiv Singh Raghuvanshi. This decision was taken after the 92nd meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) held on 28 April 2025, in which the report of an expert committee was reviewed. This committee was formed in December 2024 to investigate the concerns related to NDMA.

ICMR given big responsibility

DTAB has suggested that a larger committee be formed to investigate every aspect of the presence of NDMA, including storage conditions, as these elements can increase the possibility of NDMA formation. Along with this, the board has also recommended that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) should do in-depth research on the long-term safety of ranitidine.

NDMA may be carcinogenic

Manufacturers have been directed to adopt risk-based measures such as limiting shelf life, revising storage protocols and improving NDMA testing processes across the supply chain. Dr Abhishek Shankar, an oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, called NDMA a potential carcinogen and said that when safer drugs like famotidine and pantoprazole are available, ranitidine should not be continued.

Doctor's advice is necessary

Let us tell you that due to the presence of NDMA, Ranitidine has already been banned in many countries including America. In such a situation, increasing monitoring on it again in India is being considered a precautionary step of the government. Experts advise that if a person is taking Ranitidine, he should consult his doctor and consider safer alternatives.

PC:Zeenews