Syrups containing DXM temporarily banned

23 February 2013 09:33 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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All cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan (DXM) have been temporarily banned from sale in Sri Lanka as a precautionary step following an alert by the WHO, the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority (CDDRA) said.

CDDRA Chairman Dr. H. Beneragama speaking to Daily Mirror said, “We received an alert from the WHO yesterday regarding a cough syrup containing DXM that had resulted in close to 70 deaths in Pakistan upon consumption. Investigations on the batch of cough syrups consumed in Pakistan have revealed they contained a lethal element quite similar to DXM that was supplied by an Indian pharmaceutical company.”

He added that although no cases of concern have been reported from Sri Lanka so far, immediate steps were taken to withhold all cough syrups containing DXM from the local markets as a precautionary measure.

According to Dr. Beneragma, syrups containing DXM are highly effective cough suppressants. However, he added the temporary ban will not cause an inconvenience as similar products are available in the market, which are as effective.

Dr. Beneragama said close to 30 products have been currently temporarily withheld from sale in local markets due to the ban.

“We have informed all pharmaceutical suppliers in the country to submit certifications to the CDDRA concerning raw materials used in their products. If any of them import products that contain elements produced by the Indian company in question, we will be taking measures to permanently ban those products,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Beneragama also said they have requested drug suppliers to provide them with samples of their products to be tested against DXM in order to determine whether the element is genuine or the contaminated compound. (Lakna Paranamanna)

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Comments - 11

Yuri Saturday, 23 February 2013 09:53 AM

Is it from India ?

Dont Know What Saturday, 23 February 2013 10:10 AM

If itmis from India, then it will certainly not work m with Pakistani Gene. Widhraw it. if it is Sri lankan ir will work!

Ravana Saturday, 23 February 2013 12:00 AM

nice to hear this type of steps. But pararally government body should get samples from phamacies rather than requesting from suppliers via DM Android App

lankansri Saturday, 23 February 2013 05:47 PM

Nasal drops??

Sonali De Silva Saturday, 23 February 2013 11:46 PM

Can you be more specific and name this cough syrup?

Ghanee Sunday, 24 February 2013 05:27 AM

there are hundreds of syrups containing DXM available in the market! CHECK INDIVIDUALLY OF THE CONTENTS OF DXM!!
BE AWARE - BULK BOTTLES WHICH Most of the pvt doctors give in loose packs also contain this products!!!

ANTON Sunday, 24 February 2013 07:14 AM

People who are suffering fro cough will have to cough forever

PRANANDU Sunday, 24 February 2013 10:08 AM

Please name the Brands which contains DXM so, that the people would be able to know.

Lucky Weeramantry Sunday, 24 February 2013 12:39 PM

Maybe Some Pesticide

Lucky Weeramantry Sunday, 24 February 2013 12:42 PM

Check The Expiry Date.Maybe The Last Century

echo Sunday, 24 February 2013 12:00 AM

Why shield the suspect brand's name? The people have a right to know, so that they could stop buying them. via DM Android App

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Syrups containing DXM temporarily banned

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