Bengaluru, Karnataka: The Karnataka government has issued an advisory directing 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. The move comes after several fatalities were reported in these states due to a specific batch of ColdRif Syrup manufactured by a Tamil Nadu-based pharmaceutical company.

In a circular dated October 5, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) emphasised the need for careful monitoring and warned consumers against the purchase, sale, or consumption of the implicated batch.

Details of the prohibited batch

The circular specifically mentions ColdRif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13) as the product under scrutiny. Following reports of deaths in Madhya Pradesh, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department had earlier prohibited the purchase, sale, and use of the same batch within Tamil Nadu.

The Karnataka FSDA has now extended its alert to the state, urging all enforcement officers, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to:

  • Identify and remove the affected batch from shelves.

  • Verify stock records for the specified batch number.

  • Inform the public about potential risks associated with the consumption of the syrup.

    • The advisory also encourages parents and caregivers to exercise caution when administering cough syrups to children and to consult qualified medical professionals before using any over-the-counter medications.

    Previous incidents and government response

    The incidents in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan reportedly involved children consuming ColdRif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13), resulting in multiple fatalities. While the exact cause is under investigation, authorities suspect contamination or a quality control lapse during manufacturing.

    State authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have initiated local investigations and alerted healthcare facilities to report similar adverse reactions. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department acted swiftly to ban the batch in their jurisdiction, prompting other states, including Karnataka, to follow suit to prevent further tragedies.Safety measures and public advisories

    The Karnataka FSDA has emphasised the importance of strict adherence to drug safety regulations. The following steps are being advised for both enforcement officers and the public:

    • Pharmacies must quarantine and report the specified batch immediately.

  • Health authorities are required to monitor reports of adverse reactions in children.

  • Parents are advised to check the batch number of any ColdRif Syrup before use and to report unusual symptoms promptly.

    • The advisory also highlights the role of public awareness in preventing accidental consumption of potentially harmful drugs. Healthcare professionals are being urged to educate communities about safe medication practices and to reinforce the importance of using medicines only under professional guidance.

    Conclusion

    Karnataka’s FSDA advisory underscores the growing concern over child safety and drug quality control in India. By directing vigilance over the specified batch of ColdRif Syrup, the government aims to prevent further fatalities and ensure that public health standards are maintained. Parents, pharmacies, and enforcement authorities are collectively urged to act swiftly to contain any potential risks associated with this product.

    The incident also highlights the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure that pharmaceutical products meet safety standards before reaching consumers.

    Karnataka warns against certain cough syrup after child deaths

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