Sample tests conducted during the month of November 2004 at the Thiruvananthapuram drug control laboratory revealed a few batches of drugs, marketed by about a dozen companies in Kerala, were of substandard quality.

This includes Isosorbide Dinitrate tablets IP of batch number T 05014 manufactured by Micron Pharmaceuticals, Vapi, absorbent cotton wool IP of batch 383 by Konark Surgicals Ltd, Nalgonda, Cloxacillin tablets IP of batch MC 014 and Paracetamol tablets IP of batches MT 053, MT 054 and MT 190 of Modern Pharmaceuticals, Kandli, paracetamol tablets IP of batch T 4081 from Omega Biotech Ltd., Ghaziabad, Cotrimoxasol tablets IP of batch 30044 by Pure Pharma Ltd, Indore, Sparfloxacin tablets PE 44 of batch A 401 by Sim Laboratories Ltd, Nagpur, Paracetamol tablets of batch PB 089,091, 090 by Vyasa Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Aalappuzha, prednisolone tablets IP of batch PR 01 of Civil Drugs Laboratories Delhi, Calcium lactose tablets IP (CITT 20106 by Unicure (India), Noida, Hand 5 ml disposable syringes (B-016) by EE Hand Syringes Pvt. Ltd. Palakkad and Aluminium Hydroxide tablets IP (T-4090) of Bharath Parentarals Ltd., Baroda.

Further, Metoclorpromide injection IP (K 304), ampicillin injection IP (KA 392), Amoxicillin for oral suspension IP (K 326) and Hydro Cortisone Sodium Saxinate Injection IP (K 304), manufactured by Modern Laboratories, Indore, also were found of substandard quality.

The concerned manufacturers have been asked to withdraw the substandard batches from the market, said a statement of the drug control department.