Centre Issues Advisory On Cough Syrups After Child Deaths, Finds No Kidney Link

Over the past few days, 11 children have died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after reportedly consuming cough syrups, some prescribed by doctors and others purchased directly from pharmacies. The deaths, which involved kidney-related complications, prompted widespread concern and calls for investigation.

On Friday, the Centre issued an advisory to all states and Union territories, urging the rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population, following the deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, where nine children were affected.

Tests Reveal No Contaminants

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that tests on the cough syrup samples did not detect Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants known to cause serious kidney injury. Regarding the two deaths in Rajasthan, tests also showed the samples did not contain Propylene Glycol, another potential source of harmful contaminants. However, the ministry noted that the products involved were dextromethorphan-based formulations, which are not recommended for paediatric use.

A joint team comprising representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) visited the sites in coordination with state authorities. Multiple samples of cough syrups were collected and tested. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG. Further testing of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples by NIV Pune identified one case positive for Leptospirosis.

Advisory for Paediatric Use

Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Sunita Sharma has issued guidelines recommending that cough and cold medicines should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under 2 years. These medications are generally not advised for children under 5 years, and for older children, use should follow careful clinical evaluation, close supervision, and strict adherence to proper dosing.

The advisory also emphasizes using the shortest effective duration, avoiding multiple drug combinations, and raising public awareness about following doctors' prescriptions.