In a grave revelation that highlights the value of drug safety, a popular cough syrup has been withdrawn from the market following laboratory analysis that indicated lethal contamination. Coldrif Syrup, a popular treatment for cold and cough, was discovered to contain a poisonous content that threatens serious health hazards to consumers.
The Dangers Discovery
The product under recall is Coldrif Syrup (Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Chlorpheniramine Maleate) from the May 2025 batch produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer of Tamil Nadu. Test results have confirmed Diethylene Glycol (DEG) content at a shocking level of 46.28% w/v - a result that has precipitated instant regulatory measures and total prohibition on the sale and distribution of the product.
Understanding the Threat: Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol is more than an innocent impurity - it's an industrial chemical commonly found in antifreeze and solvents that has no business being in human medications. When ingested, even in fairly modest amounts, DEG can lead to:
Severe kidney damage and possible kidney failure
Neurological complications such as paralysis
Damage to the liver
Gastrointestinal upset including stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
Potentially lethal poisoning in extreme cases
The contamination history of DEG in medicinal syrups consists of several fatal mass poisoning incidents around the globe, which makes this discovery especially alarming to public health officials.
Immediate Consumer Actions
If you have Coldrif Syrup at your residence:
STOP USING IT RIGHT AWAY - Cease using the product no matter what amount is left in the bottle
CHECK THE MANUFACTURING DETAILS - Check for the manufacturing date (May 2025) and manufacturer name (Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer) on packaging
DO NOT PURCHASE - Do not buy this product from any supplier even if they show that they have safe stock
PROPER DISPOSAL - Get advice from your pharmacist on how to dispose of it safely instead of tossing it into home trash
SEE A DOCTOR if you have taken this syrup and develop symptoms such as reduced urination, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, or overall ill feeling
Wider Implications for Safe Use of Medicines
This event underscores the paramount role of effective quality control in drug manufacture and the necessity of ongoing alertness within our drug regulatory regimes. Although authorities moved decisively to withdraw this harmful product from the market, the episode is an important reminder to all consumers that:
They should buy medicines only from licensed, credible pharmacies
They should be wary of abnormally low-priced drugs
They should verify correct packaging and manufacturer information
Report any suspicious products or adverse effects to healthcare professionals and authorities
Keep current with public health notifications on medication safety
Moving Forward with Caution
Although the immediate danger is being met through the ban on the product, the incident highlights why consumers need to stay vigilant about their own health and the safety of medicines. The fact that such a harmful contaminant was found in a widely used over-the-counter household remedy is reprehensible and emphasizes the importance of vigilance at every level of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
If you do have any questions or concerns regarding drugs you are presently taking, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. When your family's health is involved, it is always safer to play things cautiously.
Pass this on to friends and relatives in order to spread awareness and avoid a possible tragedy. Vigilance together could save lives.