IPC raises concern over five lifesaving drugs for causing adverse reaction

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. New Delhi: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), a body under the health ministry, has named five lifesaving drugs as having shown serious side effects. The drugs are Metronidazole, an antibiotic; Luliconazole, an antifungal; Dalteparin, used for cancer treatment; diabetics drug Gliclazide and Tramadol, a painkiller.

During a recently conducted analysis of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), the commission found that the use of these drugs can cause severe reactions, including muscle spasms. The government body has asked the and patients to report any adverse events associated with the use of the drugs to the authorities. Also read | India to offer drug regulatory training to Africa, Saarc nations “The analysis of adverse drug reactions from Pharmacovigilance Programme of India database revealed that Metronidazole, Luliconazole, Dalteparin, Gliclazide, Tramadol to cause adverse drug reaction," stated the IPC’s drug safety alert reviewed by Mint.

“Healthcare professionals, patients or consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADR associated with the use of above suspected drug. If such a reaction is encountered, please report to the IPC," it said. An ADR is a harmful, unintended result caused by taking medication.

ADRs may occur following a single dose or prolonged administration of a drug or may result from the combination of two or more drugs. The IPC said Metronidazole is a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of amoebiasis, an intestinal and extraintestinal disease, urogenital trichomoniasis in women and giardiasis, an intestinal infection. However, using Metronidazol can also cause acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), a rare, severe