New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- The Central government has banned manufacture, sale and distribution of a painkiller, citing potential health risks. All oral formulations of the drug - Nimesulide - above 100 mg have been banned for sale and distribution, an official notification said.

The decision was taken following a recommendation by ICMR, the apex health research body of India.

"The Central government is satisfied that the use of all oral formulations containing Nimesulide above 100 mg in immediate release dosage form is likely to involve risk to human beings and that safer alternatives to the said drug are available," the notification issued on Monday said. Also Read | DCGI flags illegal sales of single-drug malaria pills, seeks urgent actio...