12 Child Deaths Prompt India’s Cough Syrup Alert
In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the deaths of 12 children have been linked to alleged complications following the use of cough syrup, prompting a central advisory on its use in young children.
Centre Issues Advisory
Health authorities in Delhi released an advisory that cautions against prescribing cold and cough syrups to children under two and advises greater restraint even up to age five. The advisory underscores that many childhood coughs are self-limiting and require only supportive care rather than medication.
Investigations Underway
Investigations to date have tested samples of the implicated syrups. So far, no traces of known kidney-damaging contaminants such as diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG) have been found in those batches. Officials are also exploring alternative causes, including infection or environmental factors, with a multidisciplinary team examining water, vector, and pathogen samples.
State-Level Action
In Rajasthan, two deaths alleged to be linked to a dextromethorphan-based cough syrup led to the banning of that formulation in government hospitals and suspension of local practitioners under investigation. Meanwhile, in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, reports of renal failure in children who had been treated for coughs triggered increased scrutiny of medical practices and pharmaceutical safety.
Ongoing Caution
Given the absence of confirmed toxin detection and the complexity of medical causation, authorities emphasize caution, further testing, and preventive advisory measures while investigations continue.
