Telangana DCA seizes gabapentin tablets sold as nutraceutical in Malakpet
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) seized Gabazen tablets containing gabapentin 300 mg in Malakpet after officials found the prescription drug being sold as a food product or nutraceutical.
DCA officials detected the product during a raid in Malakpet on August 4, 2026. The department said the tablets were manufactured under a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence and marketed as a nutraceutical despite being classified as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
DCA says gabapentin falls under Schedule H
According to the DCA, Gabazen tablets were manufactured by Gothic Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd at Cherlapally IDA, Phase II, and marketed by Sifco Ayustar, Hyderabad.
The product label showed that each tablet contained gabapentin 300 mg. The DCA said gabapentin is a prescription drug classified under Schedule H of the Drugs Rules and cannot be treated as a nutraceutical.
The press note said the product carried FSSAI licence number 10019047001211.
The DCA said such a product must be manufactured under a drug licence issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Manufacturers must also comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) prescribed under Schedule M of the Drugs Rules and meet Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) quality standards.
The raid was carried out by Drugs Inspector G Anil, Malakpet, under the supervision of Assistant Director T Rajamouli, Hyderabad.
Samples sent for analysis, further investigation under way
DCA officials collected samples of the seized tablets for analysis. The department said further investigation would be conducted and action taken against those responsible in accordance with law.
The DCA said drugs manufactured and sold under a food licence may not be produced in accordance with prescribed GMP requirements or meet IP quality standards. Such products could pose health risks to patients, it said.
Manufacturing and selling drugs without a valid drug licence is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act with imprisonment of up to five years, according to the DCA.
The department asked the public to report suspected illegal activities involving medicines, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in residential, commercial or industrial areas on its toll-free number, 1800-599-6969. The helpline operates from 10.30 to 17.00 on working days.
