The syrup, marketed under the name 'Coldrif', had been distributed to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry.
Published Oct 05, 2025 | 12:06 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 05, 2025 | 12:06 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: Following child deaths linked to contaminated Coldrif Syrup, Telangana and Kerala suspended sales, with Tamil Nadu halting production. The syrup, tainted with toxic Diethylene Glycol, caused kidney failure in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Nationwide advisories ban cough syrup for children under two, urging strict oversight. Investigations continue to ensure pharmaceutical safety.
Several Indian states have taken swift action following the tragic deaths of children allegedly linked to the consumption of a contaminated cough syrup, with authorities suspending sales and launching investigations into pharmaceutical safety standards.
Telangana and Kerala have led the response with immediate public safety measures.
Telangana’s Drugs Control Administration issued a “stop use notice” warning the public about Coldrif Syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu’s Kancheepuram district. The specific batch (SR-13) has allegedly been adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance known to cause severe kidney damage.
“The public is hereby cautioned to immediately stop using Coldrif Syrup, Batch No. SR-13, if in possession, and report it to local Drugs Control Authorities without delay,” Telangana DCA officials stated. A toll-free helpline (1800-599-6969) has been activated for public reporting, operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.
DCA Telangana officials are coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities to track the distribution of the contaminated batch. All drug inspectors and assistant directors have been instructed to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to freeze any stocks of the product.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George announced a complete halt to the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup across the state, despite initial findings suggesting the problematic batch was not distributed there. The syrup, supplied through eight dealers in Kerala, has been ordered off shelves as a precautionary measure.
“Strong inspections are being carried out under the leadership of the Drugs Control Department. Samples of Coldrif syrup have been collected for testing,” Minister George said, adding that samples from other cough syrups and five local manufacturers are also being examined.
The Health Department has reiterated that, as per CDSCO guidelines, doctors should not prescribe cough syrup to children below two years of age. Medical stores have been instructed not to dispense cough syrup even if such prescriptions are presented. Surveillance will be strengthened to ensure that cough syrups prescribed to children above five years are used safely and responsibly.
Authorities in Tamil Nadu have halted the production of a Chennai-based pharmaceutical firm after test results confirmed adulteration in samples of its cough syrup.
The action comes amid growing concerns over the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly linked to the consumption of the syrup.
Officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration inspected the company’s manufacturing facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district, and collected samples that later tested adulterated. The firm has been directed to stop production immediately and provide a formal explanation to the authorities.
The syrup, marketed under the name ‘Coldrif’, had been distributed to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry. Following the alarming reports of child fatalities due to suspected kidney failure, the Tamil Nadu government imposed a statewide ban on the sale of Coldrif, effective 1 October.
At least nine children have died across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan since early September. Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh reported the highest casualties, with six deaths occurring between 4 September and 26 September. In Rajasthan, three confirmed deaths occurred in Sikar, Bharatpur, and Banswara districts.
13 children, including eight from Chhindwara and Nagpur, remain under treatment.
Medical reports reveal a disturbing pattern among affected children. Victims initially presented with mild fever and cold symptoms and appeared to recover before their conditions suddenly deteriorated. Critical symptoms included complete cessation of urine output, persistent vomiting, facial and body swelling, and rapid progression to acute kidney failure.
Kidney biopsies in Chhindwara suggested contamination by toxic chemicals including diethylene glycol. Children in Rajasthan exhibited symptoms consistent with dextromethorphan toxicity—drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, and loss of consciousness—before succumbing to organ failure.
Rajasthan has suspended State Drug Controller Rajaram Sharma for allegedly influencing the drug testing process. The state’s Medical and Health Department has also suspended supplies of all 19 medicines produced by Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma pending further investigation.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a nationwide advisory following the incidents, stressing that “cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under 2 years.”
The advisory further states these medicines are “generally not recommended for ages below 5” and any use above that age should involve “careful clinical evaluation with close supervision, strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration, and avoidance of multiple drug combinations.”
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
