GDN

Manama, Nov 25: BAHRAIN has banned the sale of anti-acidity drug Carelox and issued a circular yesterday for its immediate withdrawal from pharmacies.

Health Ministry officials said that the drug, manufactured in the UAE, was withdrawn because it allegedly contained harmful bacteria.

"We have instructed all pharmacies to immediately stop selling the drug and await further instructions," said the official.

"All stocks will be confiscated and destroyed.

"According to information we have received, the factory where the drug is manufactured in the UAE was raided by the health authorities there.

"The raid found violations in the manufacturing process and the factory has been closed."

The official said reports also suggested the violations were related to procedures and pharmacological standards.

"The medicine was not tested to confirm whether it was clear of harmful bacteria, but a report was issued to say that it had been tested," said the official.

According to the ministry's website, Catelox chewable tablets and Carelox Plus tablets are being sold for BD1 at pharmacies across Bahrain.