Authorities in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have launched investigations into select cough syrups after child deaths and illnesses, prompting suspensions of distribution and urgent testing of drug samples.

In Rajasthan, the probe was triggered after the death of a five-year-old boy in Sikar and the critical illness of a three-year-old in Bharatpur, both linked to dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup supplied under the state’s free medicine scheme. A two-year-old girl in Sanganer also fell critically ill after being administered the syrup at a government dispensary on September 27, though her condition has since improved.

Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, six children reportedly died over the past month from suspected kidney infections after consuming cough syrups. Following the deaths, the district administration has banned Coldrif and Nextro-DS syrups.

Officials in both states have collected samples of medicines, water and other materials to rule out infectious diseases, but the quality of the cough syrups remains the central focus of the investigation.

The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) said it received complaints regarding two batches manufactured by Kaysons Pharma, a Jaipur-based company. Distribution of all affected batches has been suspended. RMSCL noted that over 133,000 patients had received the syrup since June without prior complaints, but a three-member panel has now been set up to probe the matter.

Initial findings suggest the syrup may not have been suitable for children, raising concerns over prescription practices. All the affected children were under the age of four, while the medicine is largely indicated for adults.

In Chhindwara, a central team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected samples as part of its probe. Results from state drug laboratories are awaited, and further action will depend on test outcomes and internal committee findings.

Also read: False claims touting cough syrup as ‘Covid-19 cure’ is misleading  

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