The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued an urgent public safety warning following the discovery of a contaminated children's medicine circulating in the market. The alert was raised on Saturday after the state regulator received critical information from central authorities.
Central Alert Triggers State-Wide Action
The action was initiated based on specific intelligence provided by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, based in Kolkata. The central body had obtained a laboratory report confirming dangerous contamination in a common paediatric formulation.
The report identified the product as Almont-Kid syrup, manufactured by a company located in Bihar. Laboratory analysis declared the syrup as adulterated with Ethylene Glycol (EG). This chemical is a highly toxic substance known to cause severe health complications, including potential fatality, with children being particularly vulnerable.
Immediate Steps to Contain the Risk
Upon receiving the alert, the Telangana DCA sprang into action to prevent any potential harm. The department has directed a state-wide mobilization of its enforcement machinery.
All drug inspectors and assistant directors across Telangana have been instructed to immediately contact and alert the entire supply chain. This includes:
- Retail pharmacy stores
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Hospitals and clinics
The primary directive is to identify and freeze all available stocks belonging to the specific product batch mentioned in the alert. This measure aims to physically remove the adulterated syrup from circulation and prevent its sale or administration to children.
Understanding the Danger of Ethylene Glycol
The presence of Ethylene Glycol in a medicine meant for children elevates this to a severe public health concern. This solvent is not meant for human consumption and is toxic even in small quantities.
Consumption can lead to:
- Acute kidney failure
- Neurological damage
- Metabolic acidosis
- Cardiac complications
Parents and caregivers are advised to exercise extreme caution. They should check the name of the syrup and its manufacturing details if they have recently purchased or been prescribed a cough and allergy syrup for a child. The DCA's public alert serves as a crucial reminder to verify the authenticity and source of medicines, especially for paediatric use.
The incident highlights the critical importance of robust drug surveillance and the swift coordination between central and state drug regulatory authorities to protect consumer safety.
