After Cold-Ref (Coldrif) cough syrup was implicated in the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has issued an urgent notice. Following laboratory testing that showed dangerously high amounts of hazardous compounds, the EPA has recommended an immediate ban on batch SR-13 of the syrup.
Testing of batch SR-13, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, revealed 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), according to FDA Drug Controller D.R. Gahane. DEG is a hazardous substance that is often found in brake fluid and antifreeze. There are major public health issues because ingesting it can result in kidney failure and possibly death.
States including Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana have halted sales of the syrup, recalled any remaining stock, and issued public advisories advising parents to discontinue using the affected batch immediately in the wake of the discovery. To make sure there is no further dissemination, the FDA has directed all drug inspectors in Maharashtra to confiscate the syrup, stop sales, and send samples for analysis.
The public and parents are asked to inspect their medicine cabinets and notify the local drug control authorities of any Cold-Ref batch SR-13 that may still be in stock. The FDA has established a toll-free helpline at 1800-222-365, a mobile number of 9892832289, and an email address, jchq.fda-mah@nic.in, for assistance.
Authorities have emphasised that quick action is required to stop more deaths and cautioned that even tiny doses of the syrup can be lethal, especially for children. This warning coincides with heightened national scrutiny of cough syrup safety in the wake of several child fatalities in other jurisdictions. The public has been reassured by the FDA that producers and distributors of dangerous pharmaceuticals will face harsh consequences.
