Context:
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert concerning Meftal, a common painkiller. The alert warns about severe allergic reactions, including the DRESS syndrome, triggered by its constituent, mefenamic acid, which has the potential to impact internal organs.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- DRESS Syndrome
- Meftal’s Use and Side Effects
- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC): Overview
DRESS Syndrome
- DRESS syndrome, or Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, is a severe allergic reaction affecting approximately 10% of individuals.
- Also known as Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS).
- It can be caused by certain medications and is characterized by skin rash, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and complications in internal organs.
Meftal’s Use and Side Effects
- Meftal is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Associated Side Effects of Meftal:
- Multiple Uses:
- Meftal is widely used in India for various purposes, including relieving menstrual pains, headaches, muscle and joint pain. It is also prevalent among children for high fever.
- Gastrointestinal Risks:
- Prolonged use of drugs like Meftal may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, and related complications.
- Cardiovascular Concerns:
- Meftal has been associated with potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
- Renal Complications:
- Some experts have flagged renal complications as a potential side effect of Meftal.
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC): Overview
- Autonomous Institution:
- IPC is an Autonomous Institution operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Establishment and Purpose:
- Created to set standards for drugs in India.
- Primarily focuses on updating standards for drugs required in the treatment of prevalent diseases in the region.
- Key Functions:
- Regularly updates drug standards to ensure quality and efficacy.
- Publishes official documents, such as the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), to enhance the quality of medicines.
- Promotes the rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.
- Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP):
- Serves as a reference document containing monographs that specify the standards and quality requirements for various drugs.
- National Formulary of India:
- A publication by IPC that encourages the rational use of generic medicines.
- IP Reference Substances (IPRS):
- Provides IP Reference Substances, acting as a fingerprint for identifying and assessing the purity of substances under test, as prescribed in IP.
-Source: Indian Express
