MP & Rajasthan: 12 Kids Die, Centre Issues Cough Syrup Warning
BHOPAL/JAIPUR: The Center issued a warning on Friday against administering cold and cough drugs to infants under the age of two due to concerns raised by the deaths of 12 toddlers in MP and Rajasthan as a result of complications after the usage of cough syrups.
The Union health ministry asserted that none of the samples collected from MP included ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, chemicals known to cause serious kidney damage, at the same time as the Directorate General of Health Services issued an advice to all states and UTs. The samples were gathered in response to claims that the use of tainted cough syrups was a contributing factor in the deaths of infants from renal failure.
The reason of renal failure in infants remains a mystery, even after the Center ruled out contamination in the cough syrup samples from MP. According to district collector Harendra Narayan Singh, nine children have passed away in the Chhindwara district in the past month, while five are receiving specialized care in Nagpur, which is in neighboring Maharashtra.
Nine out of nineteen cough syrups had no contamination: Government
The Union Health Ministry stated that none of the samples taken from MP had diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol toxins, which are known to cause serious kidney damage, in response to the deaths of children who consumed cough syrups.
The district government had already banned two kinds of cough syrup as a precaution due to the possible connection between the fatalities and the product. The stock with a distributor in Jabalpur that supplied the suspected cough syrups has been sealed, according to Dr. Sanjay Mishra, joint director of health services, who spoke to TOI.
According to state officials, lab testing of nine of the 19 samples that were gathered by state teams and the ICMR have revealed no evidence of contamination. However, the report of ten samples—two of which include medications whose sale has been temporarily banned in Chhindwara—has not yet been obtained. Before making a decision, authorities are expecting thorough forensic and biological examination.
The majority of the cases, which were initially reported in late August, were found in Parasia and the other communities in the area. Initially, children, primarily younger than five, had signs of moderate fever and cold. In addition to their usual medications, cough syrup was given to them. Their health deteriorated in a matter of days, leading to decreased urine production and ensuing issues connected to the kidneys.
Three fatalities have been recorded in Rajasthan in the last week, and several additional youngsters have experienced difficulties after consuming cough syrup that was given out as part of the state government’s free medication program. Although the state health administration has prohibited the distribution and sale of the syrup pending test findings and a formal inquiry by a three-member committee, it disputes that the deaths were caused by the dextromethorphan-based formulation.
Another fatality was recorded from Bharatpur, while a five-year-old kid in Sikar district passed away on September 29 when his health worsened after consuming the cough syrup. Similar symptoms, including nausea, sleepiness, anxiety, lightheadedness, restlessness, and unconsciousness, were reported by at least five other kids in the two districts.
In the third case, a two-and-a-half-year-old died on September 27 at Jaipur’s JK Lone Hospital in Weir town, which is in the Bharatpur district. Amodroxol cough syrup had been prescribed to him.
The boy had a history of febrile seizures, a convulsive event that occurs in children aged six months to five years after fever and viral infections, according to a fact-finding report by Bharatpur’s chief medical officer, despite the family’s claims that their child died after ingesting the cough syrup.
The health service is also looking into claims that between September 16 and September 30, youngsters in Banswara experienced problems after ingesting cough medication.
All 19 Kaysans’ medications are no longer supplied by Rajasthan.
According to Pukhraj Sen, managing director of Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited, since 2012, 10,119 samples of medications produced by Jaipur-based Kaysans Pharma, the supplier of the cough syrup containing dextromethorphan that has been linked to three fatalities, have undergone quality testing; 42 of these samples were found to be sub-standard.
The state health authorities has halted the company’s supply of all 19 types of medications until more orders are received as a precaution.
FAQ: Cough Syrup Deaths in MP and Rajasthan – Centre Issues Warning
1. Why has the Centre issued a warning about cough syrups?
The Central government issued a warning against giving cold and cough syrups to infants below two years after 12 toddlers reportedly died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan due to complications suspected to be linked with the use of cough syrups.
2. What exactly did the advisory say?
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) advised all states and Union Territories not to administer cough or cold medicines to children under two years of age and to ensure strict regulation of such drugs in pediatric care.
3. Were the cough syrup samples found to be contaminated?
According to the Union Health Ministry, none of the samples collected from Madhya Pradesh contained ethylene glycol (EG) or diethylene glycol (DEG) — toxic chemicals known to cause kidney failure. However, tests on some samples are still pending.
4. How many children have died so far?
Reports confirm nine deaths in Chhindwara district (MP) and three in Rajasthan, making a total of 12 fatalities linked to the suspected cough syrup use. Several other children remain under treatment.
5. Which brands or companies are under scrutiny?
In Rajasthan, the cough syrup was manufactured by Jaipur-based Kaysans Pharma. The company’s entire range of 19 medicines has been temporarily suspended by the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) pending further investigation.
6. What did the tests in MP reveal?
Lab testing of nine out of 19 samples from Madhya Pradesh showed no contamination, according to health officials. Reports for the remaining 10 samples, including the two syrups that were banned as a precaution, are still awaited.
7. What symptoms were reported among affected children?
Children initially showed mild cold and fever, but their conditions worsened rapidly, showing signs of reduced urine output, nausea, restlessness, dizziness, and unconsciousness, suggesting possible renal complications.
8. Is contamination the confirmed cause of deaths?
No. Despite ruling out contamination in several syrup samples, the exact cause of renal failure in the affected children remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing at both state and central levels.
9. How is the government responding?
Authorities have banned specific cough syrup batches, sealed distributor stocks, and initiated forensic and biological testing. The Centre’s advisory also calls for heightened caution in prescribing pediatric medicines.
10. What should parents do to ensure their child’s safety?
Parents are advised to:
Avoid giving cough or cold syrups to children under two years.
Consult a pediatrician before using any over-the-counter medication.
Report any adverse reactions or side effects immediately to a healthcare provider.
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