Cough syrups not contaminated, says Centre; T.N. test detects adulteration, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union Health Ministry stated that cough syrups linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were free of contaminants.
• Tamil Nadu's Drugs Control Department halted production of Coldrif cough syrup due to adulteration with diethylene glycol.
• Nine deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to Coldrif, while two cases in Rajasthan were connected to a dextromethorphan formulation.
• The Rajasthan Medical and Health Department ruled out any connection between the deaths and the cough syrup given under the Chief Minister’s free medicine scheme.

Detailed Insights:

• Following deaths in Madhya Pradesh, a joint team investigated and found no diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG) in the samples.
• One case in Madhya Pradesh tested positive for leptospirosis, while water and respiratory specimens are under further investigation.
• The dextromethorphan-based formulation linked to deaths in Rajasthan is not recommended for paediatric use.
• Kayson Pharma, which supplies drugs for the Chief Minister’s free medicine scheme in Rajasthan, is under investigation for medicine quality.
• In 2020, 12 children died in Jammu after drinking contaminated cough syrup, and in 2022, 70 children died in Gambia allegedly due to Indian syrups laced with DEG.
• The Tamil Nadu government issued a show-cause notice to Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer after finding Coldrif syrup adulterated with diethylene glycol.
• The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to States and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children, especially those below two years of age.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Diethylene Glycol (DEG): A toxic alcohol used in antifreeze and industrial solvent, consumption can lead to kidney failure and death.
• Dextromethorphan: A cough suppressant commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.