Telangana Drugs Control Administration Issues Public Alert on Two More Toxic Cough Syrups

Hyderabad, October 8, 2025—In a critical public health advisory, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has urgently warned against the use of two additional cough syrups—Relife and Respifresh TR—found adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent linked to recent child fatalities. This alert follows earlier warnings about Coldrif syrup, implicated in the deaths of over a dozen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The DCA has directed immediate cessation of use, strict stock freezing, and mandated public reporting to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable children.

Key Findings and Developments
The two newly affected syrups are:

• Relife Syrup (Batch No. LSL25160, expiry December 2026), containing Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate, and Menthol manufactured by Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd, Gujarat.

• Respifresh TR Syrup (Batch No. R01GL2523, expiry December 2026), containing Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin, and Menthol manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat.

Testing revealed contamination with DEG, a chemical that is nephrotoxic (damaging to kidneys) and can cause life-threatening acute kidney failure, especially in children whose organ systems are more vulnerable.
Dr. Sanjie Bagay, a nephrologist at Nefron Clinic, commented on the toxicity, “DEG ingestion mimics ethylene glycol poisoning and rapidly leads to kidney damage and metabolic abnormalities. The presence of such chemicals in medicinal syrups is a grave public health failure”.youtube

The Telangana DCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim emphasized the urgency: “We strongly advise the public to stop using these syrups immediately. If in possession, report to authorities through our dedicated helpline to prevent further harm”.

Context and Background
This alert is part of a growing national crisis triggered by multiple child deaths attributed to DEG-contaminated cough syrups since August 2025. DEG is an industrial solvent never meant for human consumption but has been repeatedly found in substandard cough syrup batches due to improper raw material substitution or contamination during manufacturing. At least 14 children have died in Madhya Pradesh alone, with similar cases reported in Rajasthan and now heightened vigilance in Telangana.

The Directorate of Public Health and Family Welfare, Telangana, issued an advisory on October 5, 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Directorate General of Health Services. The advisory stressed cautious use of cough syrups, particularly avoiding them in children under two years and generally refraining from their use in children below five years. Non-pharmacological measures such as hydration, rest, and supportive care are recommended instead.

Implications for Public Health
The contamination crisis underscores critical gaps in the pharmaceutical supply chain and quality control—especially in pediatric medicines. Importantly, it calls attention to the dangers of indiscriminate cough syrup use in children, where most acute coughs are self-limiting and do not necessitate medication. The advisory warns health professionals to prescribe these medicines only after careful clinical evaluation and to adhere to minimal effective dosing to avoid drug interactions and toxic exposures.

For parents and caregivers, vigilance about medicine sources and strict adherence to health advisories is vital. If any suspect products are found, they should be immediately withdrawn from use and reported.

Limitations and Counterarguments
While the DEG contamination has been confirmed in identified batches, ongoing investigations by agencies including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and state regulatory bodies are assessing the full extent of contaminated lots and distribution networks to prevent further public harm.

The current crisis serves as a cautionary tale rather than indicting all cough syrups, many of which remain safe when manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Rational drug use policies must balance risk mitigation with managing symptomatic relief in appropriate cases.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

• Avoid giving cough syrups to children under two years.

• Use caution and seek medical advice before administering syrups to children aged two to five.

• Prioritize hydration, rest, and non-medicinal care for mild respiratory symptoms.

• Report any possession or sale of flagged syrups to local drug control authorities immediately.

• Purchase medicines only from reputable, licensed pharmacies and verify batch details when possible.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to treatment plans. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

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