Cough syrup deaths: FDA asks Maharashtra government to stop sale, use of Coldrif batch

D R Gahane, Drug Controller, FDA, Maharashtra. said, 'All drugs inspectors and assistant commissioners have been instructed to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to freeze any stocks of the said product batch if available in the market."

Mumbai: Amid deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to Coldrif syrup, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Maharashtra government has appealed to people to stop sale and use of a particular batch of the cough syrup.

It may be mentioned, the Tamil Nadu government declared the Coldrif syrup (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup) sample (Batch No SR-13; Mfg: May 2025; Exp: April 2027) manufactured by Sresan Pharma Pharma, Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, as adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (48.6% w/v), a toxic substance which may render the contents injurious to health.

The public may also report possession directly to the FDA, Maharashtra, through the toll-free number 1800222365 or by email to [e-mail] or phone - 9892832289.

“FDA Maharashtra officials are coordinating with the DCA authorities of Tamil Nadu, where the manufacturer Sresan Pharma is located, to track the distribution of the said product batch to Maharashtra. All drugs inspectors and assistant commissioners have been instructed to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to freeze any stocks of the said product batch if available in the market," said D R Gahane, Drug Controller, FDA, Maharashtra.