FG Bans production of Cough Syrups containing codeine in Nigeria


Following the inreasing rate of its gross abuse, the Federal
Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for
Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban
with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the
importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient
for cough preparations.
The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole made this
known in Abuja today May 1st. According to Adewole, the
directive became necessary due to the gross abuse codeine
usage has been subjected to in the country, especially in
Northern Nigeria.
In its stead, the minister said codeine containing cough
syrups should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is
less addictive.
He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria,
(PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and
audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the
country, while he has also banned sales of Codeine
containing cough syrup without prescription across the
country.

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