BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland health officials are warning against using an unapproved medicine called Baczol, which has been found in some Maryland stores.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says the product often marketed as a pediatric cold medicine is ineffective against some conditions for which it is purchased and contains an antibiotic, which would require a prescription.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an import alert for the medication sold under the names Baczol, Pediatric Baczol, or Baczol Antigripal.

Officials say a Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center clinician heard from several families that were buying the medication for their children at local Latino convenience stores. Baltimore’s Health Department found Baczol for sale in three stores in the city and a further investigation found the product for sale elsewhere in Maryland.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)