Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Friday banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of Gatifloxacin and Tegaserod as they caused certain adverse side effects. The decision follows recommendations of the Drug technical Advisory Committee last month.
The Ministry, in a statement, said the government was satisfied that “use of the following drugs is likely to involve certain risks to human beings and safer alternatives are available.” The government was satisfied that it was necessary and expedient to prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of the said drugs in public interest. The drugs thus have been banned under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Gatifloxacin sold under brand names Gatiflo, Tequin and Zymar is an antibiotic that inhibits the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. It was introduced in 1999 under the proprietary name of Tequin for the treatment of respiratory tract infections having licensed the medication from Kyorin Pharmaceutical Company of Japan.
In many countries, Gatifloxacin is available as tablets and in various aqueous solutions for intravenous therapy. It is said to cause diabetes. Tegaserod is sold under the name Zelnorm for the management of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Its use has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks or stroke.
Keywords: Gatifloxacin, Tegaserod, drugs ban
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