The Kerala government has ordered an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup across the state. The move comes after shocking reports of child deaths linked to the same medicine in other parts of India. Health authorities said the action is a preventive measure, but doctors and parents are now raising serious concerns about prescribing such syrups to children.
Deaths Reported In Multiple States After Coldrif
At least nine children, all under the age of five, reportedly died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after consuming a contaminated batch of Coldrif. The Union Health Ministry confirmed that samples of the syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG). It is a toxic industrial chemical which is far beyond permissible safety limits. Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that the specific batch was not distributed in Kerala, but authorities decided to suspend sales as a precautionary step.
Over eight distributors in the state have been asked to stop sales immediately, and pharmacies were directed to remove any existing stock from their shelves. Health officials have also begun collecting samples for detailed lab testing to ensure no contaminated products remain in circulation.
Why Children Are Especially At Risk
Diethylene glycol is highly poisonous when ingested. Even trace amounts can cause acute kidney injury, seizures, and death. Children under two years old are particularly vulnerable due to their lower body weight and underdeveloped organ systems. In fact, central health guidelines already advise against prescribing cough syrups to infants.
When a child’s body is exposed to this toxic substance, the internal organs struggle to process and eliminate it. This can lead to rapid kidney failure and other severe complications. Medical experts warn that parents should never administer cough syrups to children without a doctor’s prescription and proper verification of the product’s safety.
What Is Being Done After Deaths Linked To Coldrif Intake?
Following the alarming deaths, several states (including Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) have banned Coldrif. Kerala has joined the list to ensure the safety of its citizens. In Madhya Pradesh, authorities even arrested a doctor who had prescribed the syrup, while the state government ordered the seizure of all existing stocks and banned all medicines produced by Sresan Pharma, the manufacturer behind Coldrif.
At the national level, health authorities have launched inspections across 19 drug manufacturing units in six states. The central aim is to identify quality-control lapses and prevent any future tragedies caused by toxic contamination in pharmaceuticals.
What Parents And Doctors Should Do Now
1. Avoid cough syrups in infants, especially those under two years of age.
2. Check the batch number and brand name before giving any medication to children.
3. Seek immediate medical help if a child shows symptoms like vomiting, weakness, or reduced urination after taking a cough syrup.
4. Report any adverse reactions to local drug-control authorities.
5. Consult a paediatrician for safer, recommended alternatives and avoid self-medicating.
