WHO Issues Alert Against Substandard Oral Cough Syrups in India
New Delhi, Oct 14: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert warning against three substandard oral cough syrups identified in India — Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — after reports linked them to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The WHO has urged national regulatory authorities worldwide to report immediately if these products are detected in their countries. Healthcare professionals have also been advised to report any detection or adverse effects to their respective regulatory bodies.
The alert follows the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh due to suspected kidney failure after consuming Coldrif, while three more children reportedly died in Rajasthan after taking similar syrups.
According to WHO, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) detected the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical, in samples of the three syrups. DEG is known to cause severe kidney damage and can be fatal.
The contaminated products were manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma. Authorities have suspended their product authorisations, halted production, and initiated a recall of the affected batches.
While CDSCO confirmed that none of the tainted medicines were exported, WHO has urged other countries to strengthen surveillance, especially in informal or unregulated markets where such products may circulate unnoticed.
The WHO said that consumption of these syrups can lead to serious health complications, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which can be fatal.
The global health body has urged the public to avoid using these syrups and seek immediate medical help if they or someone they know has consumed them. It also advised national authorities to remain vigilant and report any detection of these substandard products.
