The Karnataka government on Monday, October 6, announced a ban on the sale and use of Coldrif cough syrup after reports of multiple child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly linked to contaminated products.
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said authorities have been asked to check whether the affected batches were distributed in Karnataka. “As of now, there is no evidence that these syrups reached Karnataka. We are also testing samples from other manufacturers and will issue advisories to prevent misuse, especially for children,” he stated.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) directed all health facilities, hospitals, primary and community health centres, medical institutions, and retailers to immediately stop the sale and purchase of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13, Mfg. Date: May 2025, Exp: April 2027) produced by Sreesan Pharma, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The circular also included Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup IP by Kaysons Pharma, Jaipur, linked to child deaths in Rajasthan. Existing stocks are to be recalled and reported to the Assistant Drugs Controller for further action.
This follows a national advisory by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on October 3, which warned against the irrational use of cough syrups in children. Most childhood coughs are self-limiting, and medicines are generally unnecessary. The advisory specifically cautioned against giving cough syrups to children under two years and discouraged their use for children below five.
Testing of multiple cough syrup brands began after over ten child deaths were reported in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recommended canceling the manufacturer’s license, and criminal proceedings have been initiated.
Health authorities in Karnataka urged parents to avoid over-the-counter cough syrups for children and follow medical advice strictly to ensure safety.
