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Parents Beware: Toxic Cough Syrup Claims 22 Young Lives in Madhya Pradesh
Published: 09/10/25
Updated: 30/10/25
Very sad and shocking news has come from Madhya Pradesh. More than 22 children have lost their lives after consuming a cough syrup that was later found to be poisonous. This tragedy has left many families heartbroken and raised big questions about how such a dangerous medicine was allowed to reach children.
What Happened
In several districts of Madhya Pradesh, small children started falling sick after a cough syrup that was supposed to relieve cold and cough symptoms. Instead of getting better, the children became weaker day by day.
When doctors noticed that many children showed similar symptoms, they informed the health department. Many children showed alarming symptoms like vomiting, weakness and difficulty in passing urine.
Tests were done on the syrup, and the results showed that it was contaminated with a toxic chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG).
This chemical is not meant for human use. It is used in products like antifreeze and brake fluid. Even in small amounts, it can damage the kidneys and liver. Sometimes, it can also lead to death.
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What The Tests Found
Lab tests showed that a batch of cough syrup contained about 48% diethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol is not meant for human use. It is a type of alcohol used in antifreeze, brake fluid, and industrial solvents. Even tiny amounts can be extremely dangerous when consumed.
When taken, it can cause severe kidney and liver damage. In serious cases, it can also lead to seizures, organ failure, or death.
Normally, medicines should not contain any of this chemical.
Experts say that such contamination likely happened because of poor manufacturing practices or a lack of proper quality checks during production.
Because of this, the government quickly banned the sale of that particular cough syrup across the state and asked shops and hospitals to remove it from their shelves.
Government Action
As soon as the contamination was confirmed, the Government immediately banned the sale of the syrup across Madhya Pradesh. Other states are also taking similar steps.
Now, all bottles from pharmacies and distributors are being collected and tested.
The police and drug control departments are finding out how the syrup became toxic and who is responsible.
The government has promised free treatment to children who are sick and support for families who have lost their loved ones.
Parents and doctors have been told to stop using the syrup immediately and report if they have any bottles at home.
Global Warnings on Toxic Cough Syrups
Unfortunately, this is not the first time such an incident has happened. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously raised alarms about low-quality and contaminated cough syrups found in countries like Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, where dozens of children died after consuming medicines containing diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).
Despite these international warnings, similar tragedies continue to occur. This shows that quality control in drug manufacturing still needs urgent improvement.
Medicines are supposed to be safe and carefully manufactured. When shortcuts are taken, the results can be deadly. Even one contaminated batch can destroy lives.
This is a time for both parents and authorities to stay alert. Every bottle of medicine given to a child should be checked carefully. And every company must remember that profit can never come before a child’s life.
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