Madhya Pradesh Bans Coldrif Cough Syrup | 08 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a complete ban on the sale of Coldrif Syrup across the state following several children's deaths due to kidney failure. 

  • The Tamil Nadu government conducted a probe and found that samples of Coldrif Syrup contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical known to cause severe kidney damage. 

Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

Key Points 

  • About: The finding of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) 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.