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Toxic Chemical Diethylene Glycol in Cough Syrup

  • 07 Oct 2025
  • 2 min read

Source: ET

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Bhopal, found that Coldrif cough syrup contained 46.28% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), far exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%. The finding led to state-level bans and triggered nationwide regulatory action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 

  • Diethylene Glycol (DEG): It is a colourless, sweet-tasting industrial chemical commonly used in brake fluids and antifreeze. 
    • It is misused as a cheap substitute solvent in drug production owing to its close physical similarity to safe pharmaceutical compounds. 
    • Consumption of DEG can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney failure, and nervous system damage, and may be fatal at high doses. 
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940:  It regulates the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics in India through licences and permits.  
    • Its main aim is to ensure that marketed drugs and cosmetics are safe, effective, and meet national standards.  
    • The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, complement the Act by classifying medications into schedules and providing guidelines for their storage, sale, presentation, and prescription.
Read more: WHO Issues Alert for Substandard Cough Syrups Produced in India 
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