States Impose Ban on Coldrif Cough Syrup Following Child Deaths

Ban on Coldrif Cough Syrup Across Multiple States

In response to the tragic deaths of at least eight children linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup, three Indian states have enacted a ban on its sale and distribution. Reports indicate that the fatalities occurred in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The initial ban was implemented in Tamil Nadu, with Madhya Pradesh and Kerala soon following suit.

The deceased children, aged between one and seven, are believed to have suffered from cough syrup poisoning, which has raised significant concerns among health authorities.

Following these incidents, the Madhya Pradesh government requested Tamil Nadu officials to investigate the safety of Coldrif syrup. A report released on October 2 by the Tamil Nadu drug control director revealed that samples from Sresan Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram were deemed 'NSQ' (non-standard quality).

This report highlighted that the syrup contained a concerning 48.6% diethylene glycol, a substance known to potentially cause severe kidney and liver damage.

Consequently, Tamil Nadu's government prohibited the sale of the syrup starting October 1, amid rising concerns over its safety.

On Saturday, Madhya Pradesh's government also took action by banning Coldrif syrup, instructing officials to collect further samples for laboratory testing. Additionally, they mandated the seizure and freezing of any remaining syrup batches in circulation.

Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, announced on the same day that the state would suspend the syrup's sale and distribution as a precaution, despite the specific batch not being distributed in Kerala. This decision was made out of an 'abundance of caution.'

In light of these tragic events, the Directorate General of Health Services issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, emphasizing the need for careful prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children.

The advisory noted that most acute cough conditions in children are self-limiting and typically resolve without the need for medication, advising against the prescription of cough and cold remedies for children under two years old.