Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Cough syrups containing a cough suppressant, said to cause irregular heartbeat, were off the market in the capital and the UAE for about two months before Omani health authorities took the same step.
The Health Ministry in Oman issued a statement yesterday announcing the recall of cough syrups containing clobitunol hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Silomat syrup, manufactured by Boehr-inger Ingelheim, and Orcinol, by UAE-based Julphar. The UAE Ministry of Health had sent out a circular, asking pharmacies in the rest of the UAE to withdraw the medicines six weeks ago.
Baki Nidal, pharmacy manager at Ibn Sina Pharmacy at Dubai Healthcare City, confirmed to Gulf News that they received a recall notice regarding the drugs from the ministry.
"We received it about two months back. We withdrew our quantities of Silomat off the shelves and sent them back to the company. Julphar's Orcinol was also withdrawn at the same time," he said.
He added that other medicines containing the active ingredient were also recalled.
Gulf News contacted Julphar for a comment but received no response.
In Abu Dhabi, the medicines were withdrawn about a month ago.
Dr Mohammad Abu Al Khair, drugs and medical department advisor with the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HADD) told Gulf News that they sent out the circular four weeks ago.
"HAAD recalled Silomat syrup from pharmacies four weeks ago. Orcinol has also been removed. Neither medicine is available in the capital," he said.
