KUALA LUMPUR, August 1 – Two days ago, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that an ice cream chain store is banned from selling its “Pei Pa Koa Flavoured Ice Cream”, citing that mixing Pei Pa Koa cough syrup with food products is prohibited under Section 13B(2) of the Food Act 1983.

In a statement, Lim En Ni, chief pharmacist of Alpro Pharmacy, cautioned the public on the risk of taking any medication, including herbal medicine, without consulting health care professionals.

“Pei Pa Koa, a seemingly ordinary and easily accessible traditional cough medicine, can be harmful especially to pregnant women and young children because it contains licorice,” said Lim.

According to Alpro Pharmacy, this ingredient will cause several side effects:

• Hormonal Effects: Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can mimic the hormone aldosterone. High levels of aldosterone can lead to fluid retention, hypertension, and an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.
• Blood Pressure Issues: Glycyrrhizin can cause an increase in blood pressure by reducing potassium levels and increasing sodium levels in the body. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preeclampsia.
• Preterm Labour Risk: Some studies suggest that consuming large amounts of licorice during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm labour due to its effects on prostaglandin synthesis.
• Developmental Issues: There is evidence suggesting that excessive licorice consumption during pregnancy might affect the cognitive development of the child. It has been associated with lower intelligence and behavioural problems in children.

“This situation underscores the importance of consulting your healthcare professional before taking any medication, including herbal medicines, during pregnancy,” said Lim.

“Always seek professional advice to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.”

For any inquiries regarding medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the public can speak to an Alpro pharmacist for free at 019-702 1923.