Cough syrup deaths in Madhya Pradesh rise to 17 amid contamination fears

The death toll linked to a contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 17 children over 43 days, doctors and local authorities confirmed, intensifying scrutiny of drug safety and regulatory oversight.

Two of the latest victims—Jayashu Yaduvanshi and Vedansh Pawar, both two years old died in Nagpur while undergoing treatment for renal failure. They had consumed the Coldrif cough syrup in Chhindwara district.

Doctors involved in treating affected children warn that the syrup may contain a toxic chemical that impacts the brain and kidneys.

Medical reports suggest that the affected children, after initial symptoms like cough and fever, developed acute kidney injury, reduced urine output, and systemic organ failure. In some cases, neurological symptoms also emerged, fueling concerns about broader toxicity beyond renal damage.

Following the alarming deaths, the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) issued a statewide alert regarding Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, specifically batch SR-13 (expiry April 2027). The FSDA ordered seizure of existing stocks and suspension of further distribution.

State and central drug regulators have launched inspections targeting pharmaceutical units producing cough syrups, antipyretics, and antibiotics in six states.

The Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) is reportedly involved in coordinating lab testing and oversight.

In parallel, police have registered a manslaughter case against the syrup manufacturer and prescribing doctor, alleging culpable homicide, drug adulteration, and violations of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

Tests conducted by Tamil Nadu drug authorities claim that syrup samples showed high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG)—a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney failure—much beyond permissible limits.

Authorities from Madhya Pradesh have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has travelled to Tamil Nadu to inspect the manufacturing facility and gather evidence.

Investigations into the manufacturer’s facility in Tamil Nadu reveal serious regulatory failures. Reports indicate it operated unhygienically, with poor maintenance and minimal oversight, and evaded inspection for over 14 years.

Medical associations, including the Vidarbha Chest Association, have cautioned against unsupervised use of cough syrups—especially in infants—stressing that many acute coughs are viral and resolve without medication.

They urge clinicians to closely vet the safety of formulations, particularly for pediatric use.

Comparisons have also been drawn to previous international tragedies involving contaminated syrups, such as in Gambia and Uzbekistan, where children died after consuming formulations adulterated with DEG or ethylene glycol.