Toxic cough syrup deaths trigger crackdown on non-prescription drug sales

The restricted drugs include antibiotics, cough formulations, hormonal treatments, anti-cancer drugs, hypoglycemics, and antihistamines. Despite existing regulations banning their over-the-counter sale, authorities said misuse of these medications remains widespread. Customers frequently purchase antibiotics and syrups directly, while chemists often fail to verify prescriptions, reports The New Indian Express. Sources revealed, “There are also instances where pharmacy staff have administered injections to patients in the absence of medical professionals, posing grave health risks.”

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that several children lost their lives after consuming a contaminated cough syrup, which laboratory tests later revealed contained high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical known to cause acute kidney failure and death. While the manufacturer and distributor are being investigated, the arrest of the prescribing physician — who had prescribed a commonly used, government-approved syrup — has deeply disturbed the medical community.

Drug Controller Mamina Patnaik stated that inspectors have been instructed to carry out surprise inspections and enforce stricter controls on drug sales. Several pharmacies have already been raided, and chemists have been directed to display notices specifying medicines that can no longer be sold without a doctor’s prescription, reports the Daily.

As far as child fatalities are concerned, the Health Ministry has also banned the sale of cough syrups for children under two years and called for enhanced monitoring of drug distribution and usage. Meanwhile, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has confiscated the only Coldrif batch obtained by a pharmacy in Bargarh district and suspended all products from Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of the contaminated syrup.

“Tablets, capsules and syrups manufactured by Sresan and available in the stocks here have been frozen and samples sent for laboratory test. These drugs would also be seized if there is any adverse report. Local manufacturers have also been warned to remain cautious and follow the protocols while preparing syrups,” Mamina added.