Illegal sale of sedatives rampant in Kerala

KOCHI: The recent haul of a large consignment of cough syrup from a wholesale drug store in Kozhikode sheds light on the illegal sale of such syrups and tablets as sedatives targeting the younger generation. Apart from the cough syrup, Nitravet (an inducing agent for treating insomnia), Trica (used against anxiety and nervous disorders), Frisium (used in the management of anxiety, agitation or tension) and Spasmoproxyvon (pain killer) are the most common tablets and capsules that the younger generation prefer.  An official with the Drugs Control Office said on condition of anonymity said that it was estimated that drugs worth Rs 15 crore were sold in a month in the state. He said that the dealers stock these medicines in large quantities aimed at illegal trade. “The pharmacies stock such sedative medicines beyond the prescribed quantity, which is sure targeted at the younger generation. These drugs are prescription drugs but medical stores sell them as over-the-counter medicines, he said.   Drugs Controller of Kerala C S Satheesh Kumar said that cough syrups containing codeine phosphate, which is an opioid drug closely related to morphine are being widely misused by schoolchildren and youth. Codefine phosphate containing cough syrups like Cofcare, Corex, Mitts Linctus Codeinae and Tossex are available in most of the medical stores. Its use is rampant in social gatherings, where alcohol is a taboo, as it has a sweet taste and leaves no smell, he said.   Codeine phosphate will be converted to morphine in the human body and hence produces the same euphoria as that of morphine. Long term use of it could lead to physical and psychological dependence. An over dose and its simultaneous use with alcohol can lead to respiratory depression and even death.  The codefine phosphate cough syrup seized from Kozhikode would cost around `25 lakh in the market. The dealers would have stocked these medicines only for selling illegally, Drugs Controller said. We will intensify the drive against dealers who stock more than the allowed quantity of drugs, he said.