DCA Issues Immediate Ban on Two Cough Syrups

Hyderabad: The state government is likely to impose a statewide prohibition on the usage of two cough syrups branded `Relife` and `Respifresh TR` after the drugs were subjected to a lab test that proved they were adulterated with toxic Diethylene Glycol.

“The orders to stop the usage of these adulterated syrups in state has been taken by TG- Drugs Control Administration, Telangana (DCA), received an alert from the Drug Testing Laboratory, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, regarding laboratory reports that have declared the following two cough syrups as adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), our tests also showed that they are contain highly toxic substances” Shahanawaz Qasim, TG-DG for DCA said.

The tests on Relife cough syrup that contains Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate & Menthol Syrup manufactured with Batch number LSL25160, with expiry date: 12/2026, are being manufactured by M/s. Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Shekhpar – 363510, Gujarat and supplied in other states including Telangana, Shahnawaz said.

The other adulterated cough syrup named Respifresh TR contains the formula of Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin & Menthol Syrup, with toxic-Diethylene Glycol combination, makes them highly toxic, Shahnawaz said.

During the investigation, we found that Respifresh TR batches -R01GL2523, expiry date of December 2026 are being manufactured M/s. Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd in Taluka Bavla, District Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Shanawaz further said.

Based on the orders and lab tests, I hereby strongly advise to immediately stop these two toxic and adulterated syrups, two cough syrups, if in possession, and report the same, Shahahnawaz urged the citizens.

Shahnawaz urged the citizens to immediately inform the nearest DCA office that stern action will be taken against the sellers.

Citizens may also report possession of the said products directly to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, through the Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.

DCA DG informed Deccan Chronicle, stating “ all drugs Inspectors and assistant directors across the state have been directed to immediately alert all retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any available stocks of the said product batches and ensure that the same are not dispensed or sold under any circumstances.”

Our statewide teams have initiated necessary enforcement measures and are actively monitoring the situation to prevent further risk to public health.

We urge citizens to exercise utmost caution and refrain from using the aforementioned products to avert any potential health hazards associated with Diethylene Glycol toxicity, the director added.