Health authorities receive reports of at least 13 children being prescribed medicine containing rubbing alcohol
Thirteen children yesterday reported that they were prescribed cough syrup containing rubbing alcohol at a Tung Chung clinic, health authorities said as investigations continued into the mix-up.
Private doctor Hin Lin-yee closed his clinic at Yat Tung Shopping Centre for a week following the revelation. Department of Health investigators sealed a bottle of the syrup and samples were sent to the Government Laboratory for testing. Results are expected today, said a spokeswoman.
The Department of Health on Wednesday announced that up to 50 children were being sought after one of them was admitted to hospital complaining of a burning sensation in his mouth each time he took the medicine.
The hospital notified the Health Department that the mixture contained isopropyl alcohol. The six-year-old boy, who had taken three 5mm doses before his mother took him to Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, was in a satisfactory condition last night.
He went to see Dr Hin on Monday and was given the syrup, which is transparent, for a running nose and allergy.