Toxic coolant chemicals found in children’s cough syrup:Causes kidney and brain damage; seventh child dies in Chhindwara

Seven children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, die from kidney failure, with the seventh passing during treatment in Nagpur. Medicines meant to help them caused their deaths. Investigations show the cough syrup contained Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol, chemicals used in vehicle coolants and antifreeze, which can severely damage the kidneys and brain even in small amounts.
Senior Nephrologist Dr. Sanjay Gupta stated, The children had stopped producing urine. This condition was caused by Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Both compounds entered the children’s bodies due to adulteration in the cough syrup. This led to kidney damage and their death. These solvents are used illegally
Dr. Girish Bhatt, Child Nephrologist at Bhopal AIIMS, says, DEG is an industrial solvent that is illegally added to medicines instead of safe ingredients. It converts into diglycolic acid in the body, which severely damages the kidneys and nerves. Toxic adulteration instead of sweet-tasting solvent Fomepizole is only effective treatment for patients Deaths also reported in Gambia and Uzbekistan Hundreds of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan have died due to India-made cough medicines containing the same toxic chemicals, severely damaging India’s pharmaceutical reputation. Issue of substandard drugs raised earlier The Medical Teachers Association highlighted substandard drugs months ago. Doctors advise trusting only verified, certified companies and using medicines prescribed by doctors, avoiding direct purchases from stores. Himachal regions as substandard drug hubs Solan and Baddi in Himachal Pradesh are major production centers for cheap, substandard drugs reaching markets widely. Experts call for strict action against such companies. Experts demand strict legal action Doctors warn that dangerous combinations must be stopped immediately. Dr. Girish Bhatt, Pediatric Nephrologist at AIIMS Bhopal, says manufacturers ignoring rules and risking lives should face prosecution under serious laws like involuntary manslaughter. Also used in suicide cases
Experts stated that cases of suicide by consuming ethylene glycol, present in vehicle coolants, have also come to light. Due to its sweet taste, people might accidentally drink it, which is fatal.