In view of tragic deaths of children in other states, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a public alert and stop use notice for a specific batch of Coldrif cough syrup. The warning is aimed at protecting public health and preventing further harm.
What Triggered the Alert
Recent reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan indicate that children consuming Coldrif syrup (Batch No. SR-13, manufactured in May 2025 by Sresan Pharma, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu) have died due to suspected kidney failure. The syrup is alleged to contain diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical known to damage kidneys.
Following these incidents, Telangana’s DCA has been alerted and has moved swiftly to protect residents from risk.
The DCA’s Directions & Warnings
- The DCA urges the public to immediately stop using Coldrif syrup of Batch SR-13 if they have it in their possession.
- Citizens are advised to report any possession of the product to local drug control authorities or directly to the DCA’s head office in Hyderabad.
- All pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers, and retailers across Telangana have been instructed to freeze stocks of this batch and halt its circulation.
- DCA officials are coordinating with counterpart agencies in Tamil Nadu (where the product is manufactured) to trace how the batch was distributed in Telangana.
- A toll free number has been made available for reporting and inquiries during working hours.
Broader Regulatory Response & Investigation
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched inspections in six states following the child deaths associated with Coldrif syrup, collecting samples and scrutinising manufacturers.
- Several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, have already suspended supply or banned the sale of the suspicious Coldrif batch or all products from the same manufacturer.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that tests of Coldrif samples show diethylene glycol levels beyond permissible limits, adding urgency to the investigations.
Public Health & Safety Concerns
- DEG is a toxic industrial compound that, when ingested, can cause acute kidney injury and death, especially in children whose bodies are more vulnerable. Minor cough and cold medicines like Coldrif are often used by parents thinking them safe making these incidents deeply concerning.
- Telangana’s proactive alert reflects a precautionary approach, aiming to prevent similar tragedies locally. But the case also highlights systemic concerns: how such a contaminated batch entered markets across states, and why regulatory safeguards failed earlier.
What the Public Should Do
- Do not consume Coldrif cough syrup of Batch SR-13 under any circumstances.
- Check your medicine bottles at home, if the batch number matches, return them to the pharmacy or report them.
- If any family member has consumed the syrup and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, reduced urine output, swelling, or lethargy, seek medical help immediately.
- Maintain awareness of medicines given to children verify batch numbers, expiry date, manufacturer credentials.
- Share this alert widely among family, neighbours, and school communities to increase awareness.
Why This Case Matters
This incident is part of a worrying pattern of cough syrup poisoning in multiple states. It raises questions about drug quality control, manufacturing oversight, regulatory audits, and public safety vigilance. Telangana’s DCA move is decisive, but long term reforms must follow.
