WHO warns against 3 cough syrups in India:Agency says contaminated products can cause life-threatening illness; 25 children died from the medicine in MP

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about three adulterated cough syrups in India. These include Coldref from Shrisun Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Relief from Shape Pharma. According to news agency Reuters, WHO said these three cough syrups can pose serious risks and may even cause life-threatening illnesses. WHO has urged countries worldwide to report to their health authorities if these medicines are being distributed locally. Notably, the Coldref syrup from Shrisun Pharmaceuticals, based in Tamil Nadu, is the same medicine that has caused the deaths of 25 children in Madhya Pradesh since September. On Monday, the Tamil Nadu government revoked the license of Shrisun Pharma and officially shut down the company. 48% poison in Coldriff, contained diethylene glycol After children’s deaths in MP, Coldriff syrup (batch number SR-13) was seized from Shrisan Pharma’s unit. Samples were sent to Chennai’s government drugs testing lab. Investigation revealed that non-pharmacopoeia grade propylene glycol was used in it. This batch of Coldriff syrup was toxic with 48.6% w/v DEG and was ‘Not of Standard Quality’. The syrup was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol. Both chemicals are toxic substances that damage the kidneys. Coldriff was being manufactured in a small factory According to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Shrisan Pharma received a license from Tamil Nadu Food and Drugs Administration (TNFDA) in 2011. This company was manufacturing Coldriff syrup in a small factory with an iron shed in just 2000 square feet area in Kanchipuram. This company continued to operate unhindered for more than a decade despite violations of several National Drug Safety regulations. During the investigation, the State Drug Control Department found many deficiencies in the quality standards required for drug manufacturing at Shrisan’s manufacturing unit.