NEW DELHI, May 11 -- The Centre is preparing to crack down on the illegal sale, distribution and misuse of sexual enhancement medicines, with the drug regulator warning that it has become a threat to both public safety and social dignity, according to two government officials and a document reviewed by Mint.

This regulatory action against unauthorized products sold without valid prescriptions has been ordered by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi. Apart from the physical risks, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the regulator, has expressed alarm over serious social concerns arising from the misuse of these drugs, particularly their unregulated sale to younger people.

The use of s...