ABU DHABI // Health officials have reassured members of the public that a common antibiotic is safe to use after fears it could cause skin problems in patients.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Policy and Licencing at the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Pharmaceutical Vigilance, said the ministry received an official letter from Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zithromax (azithromycin) which is used to treat bacterial infections, reported Wam, the state news agency.
The letter asked healthcare practitioners worldwide to be cautious and follow up cases of skin allergies that may occur as a result of using the Zithromax.
The UAE health official stressed the keenness of the ministry to issue guidelines on rational use of antibiotics to avoid misuse and warned the public against using antibiotics without consulting a doctor first.
Zithromax is used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ears, lungs and other organs.
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