The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global alert about three substandard cough syrups identified in India: Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife. The WHO has asked national regulatory authorities around the world to immediately report if these products are found in their countries.

Healthcare professionals are also advised to report any detection of these products, as well as any adverse effects or failure to obtain expected results, to their national authorities or pharmacovigilance centres. The alert comes after at least 22 children, mostly under five years old, died in Madhya Pradesh due to suspected kidney failure after taking Coldrif. Also, at least three children reportedly died in Rajasthan after consuming cough syrups in different districts.

The contaminated syrups contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical that is poisonous to humans. Ingesting DEG can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure, headache, confusion, and even death, especially in children.The WHO alert explains that the syrups are oral liquid medicines used for the common cold, flu, and cough.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India confirmed the presence of DEG in certain batches of these medicines. Following the discovery, state authorities halted production at the implicated manufacturing sites and suspended product approvals. 

A recall of the contaminated syrups has also been initiated.Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma manufactured the affected products. According to CDSCO, these contaminated batches have not been exported, and there is no evidence of illegal distribution outside India.

The WHO has advised countries to increase surveillance, especially in informal and unregulated markets where such products might circulate undetected. Authorities are also urged to carefully check any oral liquid medicines from the same manufacturing sites, especially those produced since December 2024.

To protect children and patients, WHO strongly recommends not using these cough syrups. Anyone who has used them or experienced side effects should seek immediate medical advice or contact a poison control centre. Detecting and removing these contaminated products from circulation is essential to prevent further harm.