The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged over 50 commonly used drugs, including paracetamol, Pan-D, and calcium supplements, as "not of standard quality" (NSQ) in its latest monthly report. The alert follows random sampling conducted by state drug officers, which is a routine process aimed at ensuring drug quality.

The drugs in the list are commonly prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction. In its latest monthly drug alert, the CDSCO listed 53 drugs that failed quality checks during random sampling conducted by state drug officers.

The 53 top-selling drugs that have failed quality check include Paracetamol tablets IP 500 mg, antiacid Pan-D, vitamin B complex and vitamin C softgels, Vitamin C and D3 tablets Shelcal, anti-diabetic drug Glimepiride, and high blood pressure drug Telmisartan, among others.

Metronidazole, a drug used widely for treating stomach infections, produced by PSU Hindustan Antibiotic Limited (HAL), also feautures in the failed quality check list. Additionally, Shelcal, manufactured by Uttarakhand-based Pure & Cure Healthcare and distributed by Torrent Pharmaceuticals, did not pass the quality test.

Last month, the CDSCO had banned more than 156 fixed-dose drug combinations in the Indian market as they were "likely to involve risk to humans". These drugs also included popular painkillers, fever drugs, and allergy tablets.