United Arab Emirates. The Ministry of Health has withdrawn marketing approval for pharmaceutical products containing chlormezanone. It has been available alone and in combination with paracetamol for the management of pain, especially back pain (BeserolR and TrancopalR). This drug has been associated with an unacceptable incidence of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

[See also Pharmaceuticals Newsletters Nos. 1&2, January&February 1997, 11&12, November&December 1997 and DRS Alert No. 53, 18 October 1996]

Reference: UAE Ministry of Health Drug Information Bulletin 1997 No. 3, p.2.