The Karnataka government has banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup following reports linking it to multiple child deaths, joining several other states in taking swift action to protect public health. This move comes after the Uttar Pradesh government also imposed a ban earlier today.

What triggered the ban on Coldrif Cough Syrup?

The crackdown began after at least 14 children died in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district since early September, with additional suspected deaths in Rajasthan. Investigations revealed that Coldrif Cough Syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent.

Toxic contamination confirmed

Laboratory tests by the Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai found Coldrif samples contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), far exceeding safe limits. DEG poisoning can cause severe kidney damage and neurological harm, and has historically been linked to deadly mass poisonings. Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Drug Control declared the syrup “Not of Standard Quality.”

States impose restrictions

  • Tamil Nadu was the first to ban the syrup statewide starting October 1.
  • Madhya Pradesh followed, suspending sales after child deaths were confirmed.
  • Kerala temporarily suspended sale and recalled stocks as a precaution, despite not distributing the tainted batch.
  • Telangana issued a public alert urging citizens to stop using the syrup immediately.
  • Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh also imposed bans amid growing concerns.
  • Karnataka has now officially banned the syrup, joining this growing list of states acting decisively.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units across six states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. So far, 19 samples of various medicines, including cough syrups, antibiotics, and antipyretics, are under laboratory testing.

Health Ministry Issues Advisory

The Union Health Ministry has advised doctors against prescribing cough and cold syrups to children under two years of age. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reinforced that such medications are not recommended for children under five unless absolutely necessary, and then only with careful medical supervision and appropriate dosing.