Telangana DCA warns public against Coldrif Syrup after child deaths reported

HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, has cautioned the public against the use of Coldrif Syrup (Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup), Batch No. SR-13, after reports emerged of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to the drug, which is suspected to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance.

Batch suspected to be adulterated with toxic compound

The syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharma, Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, carries the manufacturing date May 2025 and expiry April 2027. DCA officials said the batch has been allegedly adulterated with DEG, known to cause acute kidney injury and fatal poisoning.

In an advisory issued on October 4, 2025, DCA Telangana urged consumers to immediately stop using Coldrif Syrup from Batch No. SR-13 and to report its possession to the nearest Drugs Control Authority.

DCA teams on alert across Telangana

Officials said coordination was under way with the Drugs Control Administration, Tamil Nadu, to trace the distribution of the suspect batch to Telangana. “All Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors have been instructed to alert retailers, wholesalers and hospitals to freeze any available stock,” the advisory said.

The public can also report possession of the syrup by calling the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational between 10.30 a.m. and 17.00 p.m. on working days.

Manufacturer under scrutiny

DCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, said that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent the sale or distribution of the adulterated drug. The administration has appealed to people to exercise caution and cooperate with authorities.