Patients complaining of flatulence and stomach ache who were prescribed a drug called "simethicone" by a doctor in Chuk Yuen have been urged to stop taking it and call the Department of Health's hotline 2575 1221.

The department made the appeal after being notified by Queen Elizabeth Hospital today that three patients had been admitted earlier this month with symptoms brought on by low blood glucose. They had all visited Dr Ronald Li Sai-lai's clinic at 208, Chuk Yuen Estate Shopping Centre, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon for stomach discomfort and had been prescribed with the drug.

The three patients, two women aged 41 and 86, and a 76-year-old man, developed low blood glucose after taking the drug labelled "simethicone", which laboratory testing by the Hospital Authority subsequently found to be gliclazide (a drug for diabetes).

Drug could induce coma

People without diabetes who have taken the drug would develop symptoms of muscular weakness and incoordinaion, mental confusion and sweating. In severe cases, the patient could become comatose.

Patients who have consulted Dr Li about stomach discomfort since January this year and who are feeling unwell should seek medical attention.

A special enquiry hotline, 2575 1221, will operate until 10pm today and from 9am to 5pm tomorrow.

Meanwhile, patients who might have been dispensed with the drug are being contacted.

The department's staff, including pharmacists and medical officers, have visited Dr Li's clinic for follow-up investigations.