A small town in Madhya Pradesh has been left reeling after a string of child deaths linked to a popular over-the-counter cough syrup. Local and national investigations say the medicine — sold under brand names that include Coldrif — was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent. Authorities have banned the products, arrested the manufacturer’s owner, and launched raids to trace how a lethal chemical entered a medicine meant for children.
What happened — short version
Over the past month, dozens of children, most under five years old, fell ill after taking cough syrup prescribed for routine respiratory symptoms. Hospitals reported severe kidney damage and metabolic poisoning consistent with toxic alcohol ingestion. Official test reports found DEG at levels many times above permitted limits in at least one of the syrups, prompting bans and urgent safety notices. Police arrested the owner of the firm that manufactured the implicated product and regulatory agencies began wider testing and market recalls.
Names, numbers and who’s involved
- Brand highlighted: Coldrif (manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals)
- Reported deaths: At least 17–21 child deaths have been reported in Madhya Pradesh so far.
- Toxic agent found: Diethylene glycol (DEG), an industrial solvent and antifreeze component that is poisonous even in small amounts to children.
How DEG gets into medicines
DEG is not a pharmaceutical ingredient. Contamination happens when industrial-grade solvents are used as cheaper substitutes for pharmaceutical-grade glycerin or propylene glycol during manufacturing, or when raw material supply chains are compromised. The result can be fatal — children are especially vulnerable because their body weight is low and organ systems are still developing.
Regulatory response and investigations
India’s central and state drug regulators moved quickly after lab confirmations. The three products identified so far were declared toxic and banned for sale. State police lodged FIRs and arrested the manufacturer’s owner, while financial crime and enforcement agencies carried out raids to follow money trails and document flows. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory bodies have highlighted gaps in testing for locally distributed syrups and urged stronger surveillance.
What families and doctors should do now
- Stop using the named cough syrups immediately. If you still have a bottle, do not give it to children and report it to local health authorities or your pharmacist.
- If a child has taken the syrup and shows vomiting, reduced urine output, extreme drowsiness, or seizures — seek emergency medical care. Early supportive treatment in hospital can be lifesaving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which cough syrups were found toxic?
Authorities named Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife among the products tested positive for DEG. All have been banned from sale.
2. How many children have died?
Investigators have reported at least 17–21 child deaths so far, with lab results confirming DEG contamination in multiple samples.
3. Who manufactured the syrup?
The cough syrup Coldrif was produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Police have detained the company’s owner and sealed its production units.
4. Is DEG used legally in medicines?
No. Diethylene glycol is a toxic chemical and must never be present in pharmaceutical formulations. Its detection indicates contamination or raw material fraud.
5. Were these syrups exported abroad?
Officials have said the syrups were not part of any official export, but there is concern about unregulated distribution through local markets and informal channels.
6. Can small amounts harm children?
Yes. Even small amounts of DEG can cause irreversible kidney damage, leading to multiple organ failure and death in children.
7. What tests detect DEG contamination?
Advanced laboratory techniques like Gas Chromatography (GC-MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are used to detect and measure DEG and ethylene glycol in medicines.
8. Are other medicines at risk?
Any syrup or liquid medication that uses glycerin or propylene glycol can be at risk if the raw materials are not sourced or tested properly. Regulators are expanding inspections to other pharmaceutical companies.
9. Is the product recall nationwide?
Yes. Authorities have issued nationwide alerts and ordered immediate recalls of the contaminated syrups. State health departments are conducting raids to seize stock from distributors and pharmacies.
10. What compensation or support is available to affected families?
State governments have announced financial compensation for the affected families. Investigations to determine accountability and further legal action are ongoing.
11. How can consumers check medicines?
Consumers should always verify the manufacturer, batch number, and expiration date on medicine labels. Use only medicines from trusted pharmacies and cross-check advisories issued by local health authorities.
12. What is the WHO advising?
WHO has called for stricter regulation of pharmaceutical supply chains, better quality checks for syrups sold domestically, and immediate reporting of any suspicious or adverse events related to medicines.
Conclusion
This tragedy is a harsh reminder that medicine safety depends on strong supply-chain oversight, transparent regulation, and strict accountability. Families and clinicians should act on official advisories, stop using the named syrups, and seek urgent care for any exposed children. Authorities must close regulatory gaps and ensure such preventable deaths never occur again. Toofan Express will continue to track official updates as the investigation unfolds.
Report by Toofan Express