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| Photo File (AI/Sora) |
Health authorities in India’s Telangana state have issued an urgent stop-use advisory after detecting the presence of a highly toxic chemical in a commonly prescribed children’s medicine, raising renewed concerns over drug safety standards in the country.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) confirmed that laboratory testing conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, found the children’s allergy medication Almont-Kid Syrup contaminated with ethylene glycol, a poisonous industrial chemical.
Following the alert, officials instructed parents and caregivers to immediately stop administering the syrup to children and report any available stock to local drug control authorities. Regulators have also ordered drug inspectors, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and hospitals to freeze all supplies of the affected batch and ensure it is neither sold nor dispensed under any circumstances.
The DCA warned that the public should avoid using the product entirely and promptly inform authorities if the medicine is found at home. Investigations are underway to determine how the contaminated batch entered the pharmaceutical supply chain and whether strict regulatory action against the manufacturer is required.
Ethylene glycol is commonly used in antifreeze and industrial solvents and is strictly prohibited for medicinal use due to its extreme toxicity. Once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed into the body and converted into harmful compounds that attack the central nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Without immediate medical treatment, poisoning can lead to severe organ failure or death. Its naturally sweet taste makes it particularly dangerous for children, who may ingest it unknowingly.
This latest alert follows a troubling history of contaminated syrups in India. In late 2025, several states banned the cough medicine Coldrif after it was found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a chemical closely related to ethylene glycol. That incident was linked to dozens of child deaths caused by acute kidney failure, prompting widespread investigations in states including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Health officials are urging parents to closely monitor children who have consumed any medication and seek immediate medical attention if unusual symptoms appear. Authorities have also advised the public to remain vigilant and stay updated through official drug safety notifications.
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