The government has banned production, sale, distribution and export of Ranitidine tablets, mostly used to treat ulcers of the stomach.
In a statement on Thursday (Nov 14), Director General of the Drug Administration Md Mahbubur Rahman said that samples of the raw materials and finished products for the medicine from two Indian pharmaceuticals — Saraca Laboratories Ltd and Dr Reddy's Laboratories were tested in WHO-accredited labs.
The tests found high levels of nitrosamine NDMA in both the raw materials and finished products following which the over the counter drug has been banned in the country.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) on the basis of animal studies.
It is found in water and foods, including meat, dairy products, and vegetables, but is not expected to cause harm when ingested in very low levels.
Ranitidine products are used to reduce the production of stomach acid in patients with conditions such as heartburn and stomach ulcers.