{"id":363773,"date":"2025-10-14T17:00:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T11:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=363773"},"modified":"2025-10-14T17:12:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T11:42:44","slug":"advisory-issued-ban-on-coldrif-cough-syrup-esic-health-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2025\/10\/14\/advisory-issued-ban-on-coldrif-cough-syrup-esic-health-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Why you shouldn’t Buy, Use, or Distribute Coldrif Cough Syrup — Read the Advisory"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In response to a tragic series of child deaths allegedly linked to consumption of Coldrif Cough Syrup<\/span>, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare<\/span> announced a ban on the purchase, utilisation, and distribution of the Cough<\/span> Syrup<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Root Cause:<\/h3>\n

The Coldrif Cough Syrup crisis began in September 2025<\/span>, when health authorities in Madhya Pradesh reported the sudden deaths of 14 children<\/span>, all of whom had consumed Coldrif Cough Syrup manufactured by M\/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Puducherry.<\/p>\n

Laboratory tests revealed the presence of Diethylene Glycol<\/span>, a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney failure and death. The situation escalated when over 20 children died in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh<\/span>, under similar circumstances.<\/p>\n

As reported, in Rajasthan<\/span>, 3 children died<\/span> due to consumption of this Cough Syrup<\/span> lending to the suspension of the Drug Controller and a halt on 19 medicines, intensifying nationwide scrutiny.<\/p>\n

In MP, a government paediatrician was subsequently arrested under Section 105<\/a> and 276<\/a> of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023<\/a><\/span>, along with Section 27-A<\/a> of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940<\/a><\/span>, for prescribing this syrup.<\/p>\n

The doctor stated that he was falsely implicated<\/span>, arguing that the syrup had been approved and recommended by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (‘CDSCO’).<\/span><\/p>\n

The State emphasised that the ingredients in the prescribed syrup are harmful and instructed that such medications should not be administered to children under the age of 4<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/span> MP Cough Syrup Deaths Case | Madhya Pradesh District Court rejects bail application of doctor who prescribed toxic cough syrup.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Advisory:<\/h3>\n

In a swift and decisive response to emerging health concerns, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation<\/span> (‘ESIC’) has issued a nationwide advisory halting all activities related to Coldrif Cough Syrup.<\/p>\n

On 3-10-2025<\/span>, ESIC issued guidance on the rational use of cough syrup in children. In the paediatric population, cough syrup usage is not recommended:<\/p>\n