NEW DELHI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- India's federal government has ordered states to crack down on the sale of nicotine pouches, which it says poses a major health risk, officials said Saturday.
The federal ministry of health has issued an advisory on oral nicotine pouches, cautioning that nicotine is highly addictive and can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
"Nicotine exposure is of particular concern among children, adolescents and young adults, as it can affect the developing brain, including attention and learning, and increase the risk of nicotine dependence," the ministry said.
Nicotine pouches are not approved or licensed as nicotine replacement therapies under the existing therapeutic regulatory framework in India. ■