Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, has issued an urgent stop-use notice after laboratory reports confirmed that two cough syrups were adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic substance known to cause severe poisoning and fatalities when consumed.
According to a press note (No. 79/DCA/2025) released on October 8, 2025, the alert was received from the Drug Testing Laboratory, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which detected the contamination during routine testing.
Syrups Declared Unsafe
The two products identified are:
1. “Relife” Cough Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate & Menthol Syrup)
• Batch No.: LSL25160
• Expiry Date: 12/2026
• Manufactured By: M/s. Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 4, Shekhpar – 363510, Gujarat
2. “Respifresh TR” Cough Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin & Menthol Syrup)
• Batch No.: R01GL2523
• Expiry Date: 12/2026
• Manufactured By: M/s. Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Survey No. 586 & 231, Near SKF Bearing, Bavla–Bagodara N.H. 8A, Taluka Bavla, District Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 383220
The DCA has stated that both products were found adulterated with Diethylene Glycol, a compound that poses serious health risks if ingested.
Public Advisory and Reporting Mechanism
“In light of the above, the public is hereby strongly advised to immediately stop the use of these two cough syrups, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay,” the notice said.
Citizens can also contact the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, through its Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969, which operates from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.
The department has urged anyone in possession of the affected syrups to surrender them for safe disposal.
Enforcement and Retailer Action
Following the alert, the DCA has instructed all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to immediately inform retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any existing stock of the identified batches and ensure that they are not sold or dispensed under any circumstances.
“The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, has initiated necessary enforcement measures and is actively monitoring the situation to prevent further risk to public health,” the statement said.
Caution Against Toxicity
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is an industrial chemical sometimes used illegally as a substitute for glycerin in pharmaceutical formulations. It is highly toxic and can cause kidney failure, neurological complications, and death when ingested even in small quantities.
In the notice, the DCA warned that “the public is urged to exercise utmost caution and refrain from using the aforementioned products to avert any potential health hazards associated with Diethylene Glycol toxicity.”
Official Statement
The advisory was signed by Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, who reiterated the department’s commitment to public safety.
The DCA has assured that strict surveillance and follow-up action are underway to trace and remove any remaining stocks of the contaminated syrups from the market.
Consumers are advised to check the product labels carefully and immediately stop using any bottles matching the above batch details.
Source link
-
-
-
-
-
