Cough syrup deaths: Telangana DCA issues ‘Stop Use Notice’ after MP lab flags toxic compounds in two syrups

The Telangana Medicine Management Administration (DCA) has issued a ‘Cease Use Discover’ after receiving a warning from the Drug Testing Laboratory, Authorities of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which declared two cough syrups adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a extremely poisonous chemical compound recognized to trigger extreme well being issues and fatalities.

The laboratory report recognized Relife Cough Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate and Menthol Syrup) and Respifresh TR Cough Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin and Menthol Syrup) as contaminated with DEG. 

The Relife batch in query bears the quantity LSL25160, manufactured by M/s. Form Pharma Non-public Restricted, Shekhpar, Gujarat, whereas the Respifresh TR batch carries quantity R01GL2523, manufactured by M/s. Rednex Prescription drugs Non-public Restricted, Bavla, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Each batches carry an expiry date of December 2026.

Diethylene Glycol, an industrial solvent, is thought for its poisonous results when consumed, resulting in kidney failure, neurological injury, and in extreme circumstances, loss of life. 

Telephone quantity

Following the alert, the DCA has urged the general public to right away discontinue the usage of these two cough syrups, if in possession, and to report them to the closest Medicine Management Authority. Residents have additionally been suggested to contact the DCA straight by way of its toll-free quantity 1800-599-6969, which is energetic between 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all working days.

The DCA has directed all Medicine Inspectors and Assistant Administrators throughout Telangana to alert retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any current shares of the recognized batches and make sure that they’re neither allotted nor offered. 

Earlier, the DCA had issued a public advisory urging the public to discontinue the use of Coldrif Syrup, batch quantity SR-13, after reviews from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan recommended that the consumption of the medication was linked to the deaths of several children.