FDA issues warning over-the-counter diarrhea drug

[September 19, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use an over-the-counter drug called Intestinomicina because the anti-diarrhea treatment contains a drug linked to life-threatening injuries.

The El Salvador-manufactured drug comes in pills and liquid forms and is sold as a treatment for infectious diarrhea at international grocery stores and specialty stores in the U.S.

Regulators say Intestinomicina contains the drug chloramphenicol, which can interfere with the production of red and white blood cells. People with anemia and other low blood cell counts are at greater risk of injury or death from using the drug.

The FDA recalled all oral forms of chloramphenicol in July due to safety risks. The agency is asking consumers who purchased the product to stop taking it and consult a health care professional.

[Associated Press]

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