Argentina bans terfenadine and astemizole

Argentina's national medical authority, ANMAT, has prohibited the manufacture and marketing of products containing the antihistamines astemizole and terfenadine because of the risk that these active ingredients can produce arrythmia. These ingredients have already been banned in most worldwide markets.

All products that contain these ingredients either as principle actives or as combinations, have 30 days to be removed from sale. Brands affected include Novo-Nastizol (from Bago), Alermizol (Pfizer), Terfemex (Temis Lostalo) and Cortistamin (Bago), all of which are prescription drugs; there are currently no over-the-counter antihistamines available in Argentina.