Union Health Ministry notifies inclusion of drug Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of Drugs Rules

The Union Health Ministry has notified the inclusion of the drug Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules to strengthen regulation and prevent misuse, particularly among youth. The decision has been taken in view of reports received from certain States regarding the misuse and abuse of Pregabalin.

The drug, which is prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain, neuropathies and certain neurological conditions, has reportedly been misused for its sedative and dissociative effects. The Ministry stated that recent seizures of illegally stocked and unauthorisedly sold Pregabalin have been reported from some parts of the country. The revised classification mandates that Pregabalin can be sold only against a valid prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner.