Punjab suspends six medicines, some IV fluids after adverse reaction reports from hospitals

The Punjab Health Department has issued a directive for immediate discontinuation of six medicines and some intravenous fluids following reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from various health facilities in the state, officials said on Sunday, October 12.

A notice in this regard has been issued by the Director of the Health Department and it has been sent to all civil surgeons and medical superintendents of the state.

IV fluids and medications that should not be used include normal saline (sodium chloride injection IP 0.9%), ciprofloxacin injection 200 mg, DNS 0.9%, bupivacaine HCl with dextrose injection, and N/S dextrose 5% IV fluids.

The communication said it has come to the attention of this office that there have been suspected cases of adverse drug reactions following the use of specific medications and IV fluids in some facilities.

Officials said that as a precautionary measure, the department has suspended the use of these items until further notice, keeping patient safety as the highest priority.