Indian Govt Bans two drugs | No manufacture, sale of Gatifloxacin and Tegaserod

Indian Govt Bans two drugs | No manufacture, sale of Gatifloxacin and Tegaserod

The Indian government today banned the drugs Gatifloxacin and Tegaserod with immediate effect, saying that the use of the drugs is "likely to involve risk to human beings".

A statement from the health ministry said: "The use of the following drugs is likely to involve certain risks to human beings, whereas safer alternatives to the said drugs are available."

"The government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient to prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of Gatifloxacin and Tegaserod in public interest," it said.

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic and Tegaserod is meant to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

The move comes after international studies revealed that Gatifloxacin posed 17 times higher risk of developing serious hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) than other antibiotics in elderly patients. (IANS)