Over 20 Children Die in India After Taking Cough Syrup

According to Reuters, the deceased children had taken a cough syrup called Coldrif, manufactured by the local pharmaceutical company Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer.

Laboratory tests revealed that the syrup contained toxic diethylene glycol, a substance found in amounts nearly 500 times higher than the allowed limit.

On October 2, after confirming the presence of this dangerous substance, the syrup was officially banned. The medicine caused acute kidney failure in children.

The same toxic ingredient was also found in two other syrups — Respifresh and RELIFE. Indian health authorities have urged the public not to use these products.

What is Diethylene Glycol?

Diethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid with a sweet taste, primarily used for industrial purposes. It is extremely toxic to humans. Poisoning can lead to:

• Kidney failure
• Neurological complications
• And even death, especially in children.

Symptoms of diethylene glycol poisoning often do not appear immediately. People may feel fine while their bodies are being harmed. In many cases, poisoning is noticed too late.

WHO Statement

Following the incident, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement highlighting a “regulatory gap” in India’s drug safety system, particularly regarding medicines sold on the domestic market.

According to WHO, there is no evidence that these toxic syrups were officially exported. However, the organization does not rule out the possibility of unauthorized or illegal shipments abroad.