The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a recall alert for a well known antibiotic syrup following notification from the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK).
According to details, DRAP was informed by GSK about packaging defects in two variants of their popular antibiotic syrup “Amoxil Forte” (250mg and 125mg), commonly used to treat typhoid and other infections. The packaging issues, specifically with the bottle caps and seals, could affect the drug’s effectiveness and safety. In response, DRAP issued an immediate recall order.
GSK was the first to identify the packaging flaws and proactively reported the issue to DRAP. Following this, DRAP directed all hospitals, pharmacies, and distributors nationwide to remove the affected batches from circulation without delay.
The recall involves 58 batches of Amoxil Forte 250mg and 111 batches of Amoxil Forte 125mg.
DRAP has advised patients and parents to avoid using Amoxil Forte for the time being and consult their physicians or pharmacists for alternative medications.
In a separate development, DRAP has also ordered the removal of the contraceptive pill “Femla 28F,” manufactured by Zafa Pharmaceuticals, from the market.
The Central Drug Laboratory in Karachi raised concerns over the quality of the product during routine monitoring, stating that it does not meet required quality standards.
A spokesperson said, “As soon as the defect was identified, immediate action was taken. There will be no compromise on public health and the quality of medicines.”
All healthcare institutions have been instructed to identify and withdraw the affected batches from their stock to protect the public from potential harm.
