Severe air pollution in northern India led to increased demand for respiratory drugs, with Foracort becoming India’s best-selling drug in October.

According to the data, the inhaler, used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recorded sales of Rs 75 crore, beating the likes of antibiotic Augmentin (Rs 73 crore) and antidiabetic Glycomet-GP (Rs 69 crore). Overtook popular medicines. From market research firm IQVIA.

Foracort, manufactured by Mumbai-based Cipla, is a combination of budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation, and formoterol fumarate, a bronchodilator that relaxes and widens the airways.

Experts highlight its dual-action therapy as a key factor in effectively managing symptoms and reducing hospital visits.

Two other respiratory drugs, Duolin and Budacort, also saw significant sales, breaking into the top 20 drugs chart with revenues of Rs 48 crore and Rs 43 crore, respectively.

The increase in demand is in line with deteriorating air quality across northern India.

In October, Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 364, and in November, AQI levels crossed 500 AQI in Delhi and surrounding areas.

Severe air pollution causes respiratory problems for people suffering from asthma and COPD. However, in regular individuals, air pollution can increase flu-like symptoms such as cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

The health effects of polluted air are serious. A report by The Lancet blames air pollution for 16 lakh deaths in India in 2021, with fossil fuels like coal and liquefied gas contributing 38%.

Another Lancet study from July 2024 found that 7.2% of daily deaths were linked to PM 2.5 levels above WHO guidelines.

As toxic smog continues to suffocate cities, the rise of respiratory medications like Foracort reflects the urgent need for both immediate health care solutions and long-term measures to combat air pollution.