Coldrif cough syrup ban expands after 10 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh
Hyderabad: The Coldrif cough syrup ban has spread to more states. After Tamil Nadu, both Madhya Pradesh and Kerala have now banned the medicine following reports of child deaths.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, 10 children aged one to five died within 27 days. Tests found toxic levels of diethylene glycol in the Coldrif cough syrup, confirmed State Drug Controller Dinesh Maurya. The syrup was manufactured in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, where production and sale were halted on Thursday.
Nationwide checks on drug plants begin
The CDSCO has started inspections in six states, covering 19 plants that produce cough syrups and antibiotics. The drive began on October 3 to identify flaws in quality control.
Rajasthan also faced two child deaths caused by another cough syrup — Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide — produced by Kasons Pharma. The state banned all its 19 products and suspended the Drug Controller for giving the company a clean chit earlier.
The Health Ministry has now advised parents not to give cough syrup to children below two years and to use such medicines for older children only under medical guidance.
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