Even as pollution continues unabated across northern India, especially in Delhi-NCR, there has been a significant rise in the demand for respiratory drugs like Foracort, which became India's best-selling medicine in October.

Used as an inhaler, Foracort is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD—and it clocked sales worth Rs 75 crore, surpassing popular drugs like Augmentin, an antibiotic and the antidiabetic Glycomet-GP, according to data from market research firm IQVIA.

According to experts, the latest trend is in line with the rising pollution and harsh cold in the North and the resurgence of COVID-19 cases as well. Doctors say exposure to air pollution aggravates asthma and respiratory infections and even causes severe lung-related issues. Foracort's growth was the second highest, with Liv-52 growing the most at 36 per cent among the top 10 brands in December.

Foracort 120 MDI is a combination of two drugs—budesonide and formoterol fumarate—used for treating asthma and COPD. Foracort is manufactured by Mumbai-based Cipla and is successful in reducing airway inflammation and widening airways.

According to experts, Foracort 200 Rotacap is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, your doctor may give you Foracort 200 Rotacap only if it is needed and the advantage of taking it outweighs the risk.

You should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your medication during pregnancy.

Some commonly reported side effects of Foracort include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Dizziness

However, according to doctors, most of these symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own subsequently.

According to central data, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 364 in October and over 500 in November.

Doctors say severe air pollution triggers respiratory issues for those who have asthma and COPD. However, in regular individuals, air pollution can increase flu-like symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

The health impact of polluted air is stark.

The Lancet has attributed over 16 lakh deaths in India in 2021 to air pollution, with fossil fuels like coal and liquid gas contributing to 38 per cent of these fatalities. Another study in July 2024 found that 7.2 per cent of daily deaths were linked to PM 2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines.

As toxic smog continues to choke cities, the rise of respiratory drugs like Foracort shows the urgent need for both immediate healthcare solutions and long-term measures to combat air pollution.

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