After the death of 66 children in Gambia, World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert over four made-in-India cough syrups. They are manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited.
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) immediately set a probe over these drugs. Here are the names of those syrups.
WHO Issued Alert Over These Four Indian Cough Syrups
The four syrups are Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Promethazine Oral Solution, Makoff Baby Cough and Magrip N Cold Syrup.
WHO said “To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products. These four products have been identified in The Gambia, but may have been distributed, through informal markets, to other countries or regions.”
According to WHO, syrups contain high amounts of diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol, which is very dangerous to health.
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What is Diethylene Glycol and How it is Dangerous to Human Health?
Diethylene Glycol is an organic compound which is toxic to humans. If consumed, it can cause neurological and kidney toxicity. We have seen several cases of mass poisoning over the years.
As per the paper published by the National Library of Medicine, this chemical is used in brake fluids, cosmetics, antifreeze and lubricants. It has a sweet taste and dissolves in water easily.
The toxic effect of this chemical leads to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, vomiting, acute kidney injury, altered mental state and inability to pass urine.