NEW DELHI: In a significant public health development, an expert panel has recommended suspending the use of ranitidine in India after tests revealed that half of the samples contained elevated levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance linked to cancer. This move brings India closer to a nationwide ban on the widely used heartburn medication. ?

Ranitidine, commonly sold under the brand name Zantac, has been under scrutiny globally since 2019 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected NDMA in some products. The recent findings in India have intensified concerns, prompting health authorities to consider stringent regulatory actions.?

The expert panel's recommendation underscores the need for heightened vigilance in drug safety and quality control. Health officials are expected to issue formal directives soon, advising healthcare providers and consumers on alternative treatments for acid reflux and related conditions.?

This development is part of a broader effort to enhance medication safety and protect public health in India.?