Medanta’s pediatrician explains dos and don’ts of giving cough syrup to children after Madhya Pradesh tragedy

The recent cough syrup tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has once again raised urgent questions on drug safety and quality control in India. Reports suggest that 17 children have died in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district after consuming contaminated cough syrup containing the toxic industrial chemical diethylene glycol. The incident prompted the government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT), following which several states have now banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup, and also arrested the doctor who prescribed it. Many children reportedly showed symptoms such as vomiting, reduced urination and kidney failure – clear signs of poisoning rather than infection.

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Dr Neelam Mohan – director of pediatric gastroenterology at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram and child health advocate – discussed the real cause of the deaths in a live television interview with Times Now. In an Instagram video posted on October 7, the pediatrician outlined eight essential guidelines that every parent should follow when giving cough syrup to their children.

case of cough syrup contamination

The pediatrician mentions that the deaths were not directly caused by the consumption of cough syrup, but were contaminated with the toxic chemical, diethylene glycol. She explains, “These deaths were not caused by a terminal disease, they were caused by an incorrect medication. Tests found dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) – a toxic industrial solvent – ​​in the syrup. The children showed symptoms such as vomiting, low urine output and kidney failure – classic indicators of chemical poisoning.”

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Cough syrup do’s and don’ts

Dr. Mohan lists eight factors that every parent should know and ensure before giving cough syrup to their children. They are as follows:

• Don’t panic, but stay alert – most coughs in children are self-limiting and resolve with rest, fluids, and care. Taking too much medicine can cause more harm than good.
• Always check the batch number, expiry date and manufacturer before giving any syrup.
• Never buy over-the-counter medicines for cold and cough – always use medicines prescribed by a qualified pediatrician.
• Do not use old prescriptions to obtain medication; Every disease and child’s situation is different.
• Do not give adult syrups to children in small doses assuming that they are safe – the composition and level of tolerance are very different.
• Consult a pediatrician before giving any cough syrup – especially under 2 years of age.
• If your child develops unusual symptoms after taking the medicine (vomiting, decreased urination, swelling, drowsiness) – seek medical help immediately.
• Demand accountability. Safety cannot be compromised in child health care.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.