Antibiotic Zithromax safe: Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has said Zithromax (azithromycin), which is used to treat bacterial infections, is safe.

Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Policy and Licencing of the Ministry of Health & Prevention and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Pharmaceutical Vigilance, said the ministry received an official letter from the manufacturer Pfizer on observation of some rare cases of skin allergies caused by azithromycin.

He referred to a circular issued by the ministry several days ago directing healthcare practitioners to be cautious and follow up rare skin allergy cases worldwide that may occur as a result of using this product, while adding that warnings are added to the label of the product.

The UAE health official stressed the keenness of the ministry to issue guidelines on rational use of antibiotics to avoid the risks of misuse, and warned the public from ingesting antibiotics without consulting a doctor.

Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ears, lungs and other organs.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.