New Straits Times

Friday, 24/06/2011

Poisons found in three traditional medicines

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has advised the public to stop buying Mistura Zhike, Chi Kat Pills and Herbaios-Zeukertec Capsule following the detection of scheduled poisons in the traditional products.

Mistura Zhike, manufactured by Guangzhou Pangaoshou Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, China, was found to contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It is marketed by Metro Signature Sdn Bhd, Selangor.

Chi Kat Pills, manufactured and marketed by Nature Pack Enterprise, Kuala Lumpur, was also found to contain ephedrine while the Herbaios-Zeukertec Capsule, manufactured and marketed by Sinar Aman Pharmaceutical (M) Sdn Bhd, Selangor was found to contain glibenclamide and metformin.

The ministry, in a press statement yesterday, said ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine are controlled medicines used as decongestants in cold medicines which can cause hypertension, psychiatric-related symptoms and possibly even could lead to stroke if used without proper diagnosis and supervision.

The banned substances, which are harmful to patients with underlying heart disease, hypertension and hyperthyroidism, are not allowed in traditional products.