Diethylene Glycol Danger in Children’s Medicines
Government Issues Big Warning on Cough Syrup Use for Children
In many households, parents rush to buy cough syrup whenever their child coughs. But the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (DGHS, India) has issued a serious warning.
Medical experts say that most coughs in children go away on their own within a few days, without any medicine. That’s why the ministry has stressed that children under 2 years should never be given cough or cold medicines. Even for children under 5 years, the use of such syrups should be strictly reduced.
What Should Parents Do Instead of Medicines?
Before reaching for cough syrups, doctors recommend non-drug remedies first:
- Give the child plenty of fluids
- Ensure adequate rest
- Use steam inhalation for blocked nose and cough relief
- Give warm liquids like soups or honey (only for kids above 1 year)
If medicines are absolutely required, they must be used under a doctor’s supervision, in the correct dosage, and only one medicine at a time.
The Bigger Problem: Poor Quality Medicines in India
India has over 5,000 pharmaceutical companies, but not all follow strict standards. Some companies, in an attempt to cut costs, release substandard medicines into the market. Shockingly, even cough syrups for children have been found to be poorly manufactured.
Experts say this is happening because of failure of the Drugs Control Authority, which is supposed to monitor quality. In 2023, the Health Ministry issued show-cause notices to 71 pharma companies for producing substandard medicines.
The issue turned global when contaminated cough syrups from India were linked to the deaths of children in Africa. This severely damaged India’s international reputation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Tragic Incidents in the Past
- 2019 (Jammu, India): Eleven children aged between 2 months and 6 years died after being given contaminated cough syrup.
- 2022 (The Gambia, Africa): Over 70 children died after consuming cough syrups manufactured in India. WHO later confirmed that the syrups contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical.
- 2023 (Uzbekistan): 18 children died after consuming an Indian-made cough syrup found to be contaminated with DEG.
These incidents show that a single mistake in medicine quality control can cost many innocent lives.
Telangana DCA Bans Coldrif Syrup
Recently, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued an emergency ban on the cough syrup Coldrif Syrup.
Laboratory reports showed that the syrup contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) – the same toxic chemical responsible for previous child deaths in India and Africa.
Authorities confirmed that Sri Sun Pharma (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) manufactured this syrup. Reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked child deaths to this product.
Read also : Diet Sodas to Higher Risk of Stroke & Dementia, Says New Study
Dangerous Batch Details
According to Telangana DCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim:
- Batch No: SR-13
- Manufactured: May 2025
- Expiry Date: April 2027
This batch is highly dangerous. People are advised to stop using it immediately and report it to local drug control officers.
Safety Advice for Parents
- Do not give cough syrups to children below 2 years
- For kids under 5, reduce usage and always consult a doctor
- Use natural remedies first: fluids, rest, steam, warm liquids
- Always check batch number and expiry date before giving any medicine
- If you suspect a substandard medicine, call the toll-free number 1800-599-6969 and report it
Additional Global Perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly issued alerts on contaminated cough syrups exported from India, particularly those containing Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These chemicals are toxic to kidneys and can lead to acute renal failure, brain damage, or even death.
In fact, after the Gambia tragedy in 2022, WHO urged all countries to strengthen their drug regulatory systems and demanded that India tighten its pharma export quality checks.
Final Word for Parents
Cough syrups may look harmless, but they can turn into a silent killer if misused or contaminated. As parents, your biggest responsibility is to be cautious:
👉 Never give cough syrup to children under 2 years
👉 Always consult a doctor before giving medicines to children
👉 Rely on safe, natural home remedies as the first line of defense
👉 Report any suspicious medicines to authorities immediately
If we stay alert, we can prevent tragedies and ensure our children’s safety.
âś… External Reference Links:
- WHO Safety Alerts on Cough Syrups
- MoHFW Official Guidelines on Cough Syrup Use
- Reuters Report – India Syrup Linked to Gambia Deaths
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