FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Intestinomicina Due to Serious Health Risks

September 26, 2012 2:46 PM

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers not to use Intestinomicina, a drug product manufactured in El Salvador and marketed as a treatment for infectious diarrhea and acute gastrointestinal infections. FDA advises that consumers who have purchased this product should immediately stop taking it and consult with a health care provider. FDA explains that Intestinominica contains the prescription drug ingredient, chloramphenicol. Oral forms of chloramphenicol were withdrawn from the United States market in July 2012 due to the risk of serious and life threatening injuries, including bone marrow toxicity. FDA cautions that the product label also lists antibacterial ingredients and that the product may interact with other medications.

Intestinomicina can be found in tablet and liquid forms, is manufactured by Laboratorios Lopez, and has been found in international grocery stores in the US that feature South and Central American specialty foods and products. More information and an image of the product are available in an FDA news release.

Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events related to Intestinomicina to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program by calling 800/332-1088 or by completing an online report.