Karnataka govt orders strict vigil on cough syrups after child deaths in M P and Rajasthan

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 6, 2025: The Karnataka government has instructed all enforcement officers to maintain strict vigilance over certain cough syrups, following reports of child deaths linked to their consumption in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In a circular issued on October 5, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) stated that recent deaths reported in Madhya Pradesh were associated with the consumption of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13), manufactured by a Tamil Nadu–based pharmaceutical company. Consequently, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has banned the purchase, sale, and use of the affected batch within the state.

Additionally, several child deaths in Rajasthan have been linked to the use of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup IP, produced by Kaysons Pharma, Jaipur.

“All enforcement officers in Karnataka are directed to maintain strict surveillance over the mentioned drugs, their batch numbers, and similar formulations from manufacturers. Any stockist, distributor, retailer, or government institution found in possession of such products must collect samples for testing and take appropriate action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,” the circular stated.

Amid growing concerns regarding the quality of cough syrups, the Union Health Ministry on Sunday emphasized the need for all pharmaceutical manufacturers to comply with the Revised Schedule M norms and warned of strict penalties for violations.

The ministry also held a high-level meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, with participation from all states and Union territories, to review drug quality compliance and encourage the rational use of cough syrups, particularly for children.