CDSCO Proposes Rules For Drug Brand Name Suffixes To Prevent Medication Errors
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has proposed regulating the use of confusing drug brand name extensions and suffixes by pharmaceutical companies in Mumbai and across India to prevent medication errors. The national regulator has invited public feedback on the proposal, with comments from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, consumer groups, and patients accepted until July 17, 2026.
The regulatory move follows representations alleging that some pharmaceutical companies market different medicines under the same established brand name using different suffixes or extensions. Although these products may appear related, they often contain different active ingredients or drug combinations meant for entirely different medical conditions, making them non-interchangeable.
This practice can confuse doctors, pharmacists, and patients, significantly increasing the risk of medication errors. The issue was discussed during the 6th Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting on November 17, 2025, where members recommended a broad stakeholder consultation before implementing any policy decisions.
Under the current system, common brand names are often paired with suffixes such as "DSR", "AM", "H", "CV", or "Forte". If clearer regulatory norms are introduced, patients and their families stand to benefit. Elderly patients and individuals managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease often rely on brand names to identify their daily medicines. Similar-sounding names can lead to purchasing or consuming the wrong medicine, resulting in treatment failure, adverse drug reactions, or duplicate therapy.
Additionally, clearer brand naming practices would help caregivers buying medicines for children or ageing parents to understand prescriptions more easily, reducing dispensing errors. Pharmacists would also benefit from greater clarity while dispensing medications, while doctors could face fewer prescription-related misunderstandings. Health experts state that these measures will improve patient awareness and promote the safer use of medicines.
