Antibiotic Killmed 625 LB fails quality test, state issues alert

Jaipur: An antibiotic combination tablet of Amoxycillin, Potassium Clavulanate and Lactic Acid Bacillus tablets sold as ‘Killmed 625 LB’ has failed a quality test after being found to contain nil Clavulanic acid, one of its key active ingredients.Taking the matter seriously, the state health dept’s Commissionerate of Food Safety and Drug Control (CFSDC) Wednesday issued an alert to all drug control officers across the state.Clavulanic acid is used along with amoxicillin to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, sinusitis and respiratory ailments. Its absence can significantly reduce the drug’s effectiveness.State drug controller Ajay Phatak said the drug had been declared seriously substandard based on a test report issued by the Government Analyst, Drug Testing Laboratory, Jaipur.The CFSDC have directed drug control officers to maintain strict surveillance in their areas and take action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. They have also been told to collect samples of other drugs made by the same manufacturer for testing.Killmed 625 LB was manufactured by VADSP Pharmaceuticals, located at Jharmajri in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. The same company had earlier manufactured QCE POD 200 MG, a third-generation antibiotic whose sample was also found to contain nil Cefpodoxime, another active ingredient.A senior health dept official said the failed sample indicates the medicine would not effectively treat patients and action would be taken against the manufacturer as per law.