How dangerous is diethylene glycol found in ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup? Click here for details

A sample taken from a ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu has been found to contain excessive amounts of diethylene glycol (DEG). Let’s explore the nature of diethylene glycol, which is considered a health hazard.

New Delhi: Panic has spread across the country regarding 'Coldrif' cough syrup. Twelve children have reportedly died in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh after consuming it. Following this incident, the syrup has been banned in Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Ministry of Health is taking samples of the syrup for testing.

A sample taken from a 'Coldrif' cough syrup manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu has been found to contain excessive amounts of diethylene glycol (DEG). Let's explore the nature of diethylene glycol, which is considered a health hazard.

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What are DEG and EG?
Diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) are industrial solvents used in antifreeze, paint, brake fluid, and plastics. They are not intended for use in medicines. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol sometimes contaminate pharmaceutical ingredients like glycerin. This is often due to suppliers substituting cheaper industrial-grade ingredients.

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is colorless and syrupy, making it easy to mistake for legitimate excipients if left untested in a laboratory.

Why are they dangerous?
When ingested, diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) break down into toxic compounds, causing serious damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. In young children, initial symptoms begin with nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased urination. In more severe cases, it rapidly progresses to kidney failure, leading to death.

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Excessive DEG Concentrations
'Coldrif' cough syrup is being blamed for the deaths of 12 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. However, six samples taken from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, were found to be free of DEG and ethylene glycol (EG). However, when the Tamil Nadu FDA, at the request of the Madhya Pradesh government, collected samples of Coldrif directly from the manufacturing site of Srisan Pharma in Kanchipuram, they found DEG levels exceeding safety limits.

Presence of DEG raises concern
The presence of DEG in Tamil Nadu's Coldrif syrup has raised concerns. This indicates that the drug is unsafe to consume and should not be available in the market. Following the investigation, the syrup will likely be recalled from the market and the company will be investigated for violations.