Imphal, Oct 10 – The Manipur government has announced a ban on two cough syrup brands after they were found to contain a "highly toxic chemical". This decision follows similar actions taken by other states in India after multiple child deaths were linked to contaminated cough syrups.
The specific chemical of concern is diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance that is dangerous for human consumption. DEG is primarily used in industrial applications such as antifreeze, brake fluids, and solvents. Exposure to diethylene glycol can lead to severe health consequences, including kidney damage, liver problems, and nervous system issues, and in severe cases, it can be fatal, especially in children. Symptoms of DEG poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy, which can rapidly progress to kidney failure.
The recent ban in Manipur reflects growing concerns about the quality control and safety of pharmaceutical products, particularly cough syrups, in India. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, both in India and in other countries, where DEG was found in cough syrups, leading to mass poisonings and deaths. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued warnings regarding cough syrups manufactured by an Indian pharmaceutical company that were linked to the deaths of children in The Gambia.
Diethylene glycol is sometimes used in place of glycerine or propylene glycol, which are safe solvents used in many pharmaceutical syrups, to save money. In other instances, contamination can occur if industrial-grade glycerine or propylene glycol, tainted with DEG, is used.
The identification of DEG in cough syrups has triggered a series of actions, including product recalls, manufacturing halts, and legal proceedings. In response to recent incidents, the Union Health Ministry has issued advisories to states and union territories, emphasizing the rational use of cough syrups, especially for children. The ministry has also urged doctors, pharmacists, and parents to exercise caution when prescribing or purchasing cough syrups for minor ailments. They recommend exploring alternative remedies like warm fluids and rest, and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist.
The central government has also initiated risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units across multiple states to identify potential quality lapses. States have been directed to increase pharmacovigilance and drug surveillance, improve reporting of adverse events, and coordinate with local health authorities for rapid outbreak investigations.
While the recent incidents have prompted swift action from state and central authorities, health experts have warned that fragmented state-level accountability could allow hazardous formulations to remain on the market. There are growing calls for reforms to the drug approval process and enhanced monitoring of pharmaceutical production across the country.
