The association in its circular specifically warns against the use of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including diclofenac, ibuprofen and nimesulide, for suspected dengue cases, as they can increase the risk of severe bleeding. Health Secretary Darez Ahamed, too, had recently told pharmacists not to hand over such medicines without medical prescription.
The circular also directs members not to sell antibiotics, codeine-containing cough syrups, sedatives, psychotropic substances and other habit-forming drugs without prescription, in accordance with regulations.
Dr Janani Sankar, medical director of the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, said, “Flu cases have come down but we are now seeing more of dengue and typhoid.”
She advised people not to consume unhygienic food this monsoon and to follow proper hand hygiene. She also insisted on keeping surroundings clean and ensuring no water stagnation, which could turn a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry the virus causing dengue.