China bans antibiotic after child’s death

The ban applied to all batches of the drug clindamycin phosphate glucose, used to treat bacterial infections, produced in the past two months by Huayuan Worldbest Biology Pharmacy Co., a notice posted on the Ministry of Health's Web site said.

Photo: China bans antibiotic after child’s death

China bans antibiotic after child’s death

The ministry notice did not mention whether the drug had caused any deaths or say how many people were sickened. A press officer with the ministry who would only give his surname, Ma, said no other details could be provided as authorities were still investigating the case, according to the AP.

Xinhua cited the director of Harbin's drug-monitoring center as saying the girl developed a high fever 20 minutes after the injection, and slipped into a coma shortly after.

A man working in the production department of Huayuan who refused to give his name said the company notified authorities and recalled the product after discovering the problem a couple of weeks ago. He did not give specific dates.

Production of the drug was immediately stopped, and an internal investigation is ongoing.