LAHORE: Punjab Health Department on Saturday banned nine substandard syrups from four companies.

The Health Department has issued a notification to ban the sale and use of nine syrups from four companies after they were found to be substandard by the Drug Testing Laboratory in Lahore. The syrups contain substandard ethanol, which can cause serious health problems to patients.

The syrups are mainly used for the treatment of allergies, sore throat, cough, itching, vomiting, nausea and hepatitis. They are manufactured by Alpharma, Zee Laboratories, Texcol Pharmaceuticals and Virol Pharmaceuticals.

The names and badge numbers of the syrups are: Allpherne badge No: 3002, Zevirol badge no 3266 and 3267, Texcol EX badge No: 09953, Virol badge No: 35080, Thorax Badge no: 23-110, Asthanail badge no: 23-30, Bronyl badge no: BL013 and Specize badge no: 276

The notification has directed the drug inspectors across the province to seize these syrups from the medical stores and pharmacies and take legal action against the violators.

Public has been advised to avoid using these syrups and report any adverse effects to nearest health facility.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2024