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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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April 22, 2007
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Prevention

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Gov't follows up on medicine with alcohol

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Department of Health

The Department of Health is investigating after a private doctor in Tuen Mun dispensed Terbutaline, a transparent syrup suspected to contain isopropyl alcohol, to six patients suffering shortness of breath since March 21.

 

The department has successfully contacted the patients and provided health advice.

 

A three-year-old girl who sought medical consultation at Tuen Mun Hospital on April 20 reported having throat irritation after taking the syrup, but her symptoms have subsided.

 

The department seized 17 bottles of the syrup, labeled as Terbutaline from the clinic and the Government Laboratory will do tests to see whether the syrup has isopropyl alcohol.

 

Princess Margaret Hospital conducted a test on April 21 and found the three-year-old's medicine did have isopropyl alcohol.

 

Anyone with questions can call the department's hotline, 2125 1133.