Health Alert! States Ban Coldrif Syrup : Symptoms of Toxic Exposure You Shouldn’t Ignore

The tragic case of 14 children’s deaths in Madhya Pradesh caused statewide protests and disturbances in Bhopal and Rajasthan. The Uttar Pradesh government subsequently banned the fatal Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Shreesan Pharmaceutical.

During the detailed probe, the cause of the children’s deaths was confirmed. When Coldrif samples manufactured by Shreesan Pharmaceutical were tested, the results conducted by the Tamil Nadu FDA revealed that the samples contained DEG contamination beyond permissible limits.

What is DEG & How It Causes Fatal Effects
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an industrial solvent and chemical intermediate that is strictly prohibited in medicines, syrups, or food products. Even small amounts beyond permissible limits can be toxic and potentially fatal.

Harmful Effects Caused by DEG
1.Kidneys: DEG is metabolized into toxic compounds that cause acute kidney failure (renal tubular necrosis).
2.Nervous system: It can lead to neurotoxicity, affecting the brain and peripheral nerves.
3.Liver: Causes metabolic stress and possible liver injury.
4.Metabolic imbalance: Leads to metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the blood), which is life-threatening.

Consuming Any Syrup? Stay Alert With These Symptoms

Symptoms of DEG Poisoning

Symptoms usually appear within hours to a few days of ingestion:

1.Early Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, throat and stomach irritation.
2.Progressive Symptoms
Confusion, altered mental state, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, rapid breathing (due to acidosis).
3.Severe Symptoms
Kidney failure: reduced urine output, swelling, electrolyte imbalance; convulsions or seizures; coma; death if untreated.

The Coldrif tragedy highlights the urgent need for strict pharmaceutical quality control, especially after tests revealed 48% DEG (diethylene glycol), a highly toxic substance, in the syrup. Parents must remain vigilant, governments must ensure accountability, and consumers should exercise extreme caution to prevent such preventable and devastating losses.