Feb 23, Colombo: Following the scores of reported deaths attributed to the use of tainted cough syrup in Pakistan, the Sri Lankan government has taken measures to ban the cough syrup contain the popular drug Dextromethorphan (DM) imported from Pakistan.

The Cosmetics, Devices & Drugs Regulatory Authority of Sri Lankan has decided to ban all preparations that contain Dextromethorphan, the Health Ministry said.

The decision to ban the cough syrup containing DM has been made after a warning issued by the World Health organization on serious health repercussions, often leading to deaths, from Pakistan-made cough syrups following the deaths of over 60 people and in Lahore and Gujaranwala areas in Pakistan.

It has been found that the Dextromethorphan, which was imported from India for the cough syrups manufactured in Pakistan, has contained its isomer Levomethorphan which is a narcotic and has toxic effects.

The ban will remain until tests are carried out to confirm the quality of the ingredient, the Ministry said.