Cough Syrup Contamination In Rajasthan And Madhya Pradesh: AIIMS Paediatrician Shares Dos And Don'ts

An investigation conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) discovered that a company which sells cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh used 46-48 per cent of diethylene glycol (DEG) in cough syrup which is against the permitted limit of only 0.1 per cent. Here are dos and don’ts for worrying parents.

Amid the ongoing controversy of cough syrup contamination which led to several deaths in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, parents across the nation are left anxious about whether or not they should administer cough syrup to their children. An expert suggests that parents should avoid administering cough syrup to children under the age of 6, as cold and fever are self-limiting.

Administer Cough Syrup Prescribed By Physicians

An investigation conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation(CDSCO) discovered that a company which sells cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh used 46-48 per cent of diethylene glycol (DEG) in cough syrup which is against the permitted limit of only 0.1 per cent.

For treating viral cold and fever in adults, a high dosage of cough syrup is required. Hence, healthcare providers recommend always using cough syrup that is prescribed by a physician and to avoid purchasing any cough-relieving syrup over the counter under a pharmacist’s suggestion.

AIIM Paediatrician Weighs In

Dr Pankaj Hari, head of paediatrics department, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi told the media, “Unless contaminated, cough syrups cannot cause death if medical protocol is followed. Syrups with Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, which is a key and very common active ingredient in over-the-counter cough syrups and other cold medicines, is not harmful. It is a cough suppressant and works by blocking the cough reflex in the brain. You don’t develop kidney failure because of it.”

Centres Issues Advisory

After several children died and many fell ill in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan due to cough syrup contamination, the central government has advised that this medication should not be served to children below the age of 2 years.

Against the connection of cough syrup contamination, the Rajasthan government has suspended Rajaram Sharma, Drug Controller and also halted the distribution of 19 medicines supplied by Kayson Pharma. As of October 5, the Union Health Ministry was investigating to ascertain the cause of death in Madhya Pradesh.

Health Ministry states, “19 medicine samples which had been consumed by children were collected from treating private practitioners and nearby retail stores. The chemical analysis so far indicates that out of 10 samples analyzed till date 9 meet quality standards. However, one of them viz cough syrup ‘Coldrif‘ contains DEG beyond permissible limit.”

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