The Delhi government has issued an immediate ban on the sale, purchase, and distribution of the widely sold Coldrif cough syrup, citing serious public health risks. Laboratory testing revealed that the medicine contained dangerously high levels of a toxic industrial chemical, prompting urgent action across pharmacies, distributors, and healthcare facilities in the capital.
Why Coldrif Cough Syrup Has Been Banned
According to official reports, the Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, based in Tamil Nadu, was found to contain 46.28% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic compound used in industrial solvents and antifreeze but unsafe for human consumption.
Samples from the May 2025 batch were declared “not of standard quality” following tests by drug control authorities. DEG contamination in cough syrups is known to cause acute kidney failure, multi-organ damage, and death, especially in children.
The Delhi government’s order categorically states that no chemist, distributor, or hospital should sell or distribute the medicine and that the public should immediately stop using it, even if bottles are already purchased.
Composition of Coldrif and Why It’s Dangerous
Coldrif was marketed as a common over-the-counter cough and cold medicine containing:
- Paracetamol – for fever and pain relief.
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride – a nasal decongestant.
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate – an antihistamine for allergies.
While these ingredients are standard in most cough formulations, contamination with Diethylene Glycol during the manufacturing process turns the syrup into a potentially lethal product.
DEG is colorless and sweet-tasting, making it difficult to detect in syrup form. Once ingested, it metabolizes into toxic compounds that damage the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
Government’s Public Advisory
The Delhi Drug Control Department has directed all druggists and medical establishments to:
- Immediately stop sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup.
- Withdraw existing stock and report inventory to authorities.
- Alert patients who may have purchased the medicine recently.
Citizens have been advised to check medicine labels and avoid any product named “Coldrif”, especially those manufactured in Tamil Nadu by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.
The Health Department emphasized that the warning is issued “in the interest of public safety”, urging strict compliance from all retailers and pharmacists across the National Capital Territory.
The Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Cough Syrup Contamination
This is not the first time that Indian-manufactured cough syrups have raised red flags over Diethylene Glycol contamination — an issue that has drawn global attention in recent years.
- In 2022, WHO linked Indian-made syrups to child deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan, prompting widespread scrutiny of pharmaceutical manufacturing practices.
- In 2023, the Indian government ordered a nationwide inspection of drug manufacturing units, leading to temporary closures of several small-scale firms that failed quality checks.
- In 2024, multiple states, including Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, reported batch recalls for cough syrups containing substandard or contaminated ingredients.
Experts point to lapses in quality control and batch testing as recurring causes. DEG contamination typically occurs when manufacturers use industrial-grade solvents instead of pharmaceutical-grade glycerin or propylene glycol, often due to cost-cutting or poor supplier oversight.
What Happens When Diethylene Glycol Enters the Body
Medical experts warn that DEG is highly toxic, even in small amounts.
Common symptoms of poisoning include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Severe metabolic acidosis (drop in blood pH).
- Kidney failure leading to decreased urine output.
- Neurological symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, or seizures.
Without prompt treatment, DEG poisoning can be fatal. The substance has been associated with mass poisoning incidents worldwide — including the 1937 Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy in the U.S., which killed more than 100 people and led to the creation of modern drug safety laws.
Regulatory Oversight and Next Steps
The Delhi government has urged central drug regulators and other states to coordinate in ensuring Coldrif is withdrawn from circulation nationwide.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is expected to launch an investigation into the supply chain of Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer to determine how DEG contamination occurred and whether other batches or brands may be affected.
Health authorities have also instructed hospitals and clinicians to report any adverse events linked to the syrup immediately through the pharmacovigilance network.
Public Health Experts React
Public health experts have welcomed the swift action by the Delhi government, calling it an essential step toward restoring confidence in domestic pharmaceuticals.
“India’s drug manufacturing ecosystem needs stronger quality controls, random batch testing, and full traceability of ingredients,” said a senior pharmacologist at AIIMS Delhi. “DEG contamination is preventable, but it requires zero-tolerance enforcement and accountability at every stage.”
What Consumers Should Do
- Stop using Coldrif cough syrup immediately, regardless of where it was purchased.
- Return or safely discard any bottles of the product.
- Check for batch details and manufacturer name on medicine labels.
- Report side effects or suspected contamination to local health authorities.
Citizens can also contact the Delhi Drug Control Department helpline or report via the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) portal for further assistance.
FAQs
Why did the Delhi government ban Coldrif cough syrup?
The Delhi government banned Coldrif cough syrup after laboratory testing revealed it contained 46.28% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic industrial chemical that can cause kidney failure, organ damage, and death.
Who manufactures Coldrif cough syrup?
The banned batch of Coldrif was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, a company based in Tamil Nadu.
When was the Coldrif batch manufactured?
The contaminated batch was produced in May 2025 and declared “not of standard quality” by drug control authorities.
What is Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and why is it dangerous?
Diethylene Glycol is an industrial solvent used in antifreeze and brake fluids. When ingested, even in small amounts, it damages the kidneys, liver, and nervous system, leading to severe poisoning or death.
What are the symptoms of Diethylene Glycol poisoning?
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, reduced urine output, and, in severe cases, acute kidney failure and neurological damage.
Has DEG contamination happened before in India?
Yes. Similar contamination incidents have been linked to Indian-made cough syrups in The Gambia (2022) and Uzbekistan (2023), prompting WHO warnings and stricter quality checks across the Indian pharmaceutical sector.
What action has the Delhi government taken?
The Delhi Drug Control Department has directed all pharmacies, distributors, and hospitals to stop sale and distribution of Coldrif immediately and withdraw existing stock.
What should consumers do if they have Coldrif at home?
Consumers should stop using Coldrif immediately, check for batch details, and return or safely discard the syrup. If any symptoms of poisoning occur, seek medical help right away.
Are other cough syrups affected by the ban?
The current ban applies only to Coldrif syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals. However, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has been alerted to investigate whether other batches or brands are contaminated.
How can the public report side effects or contamination?
Consumers can report issues through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) portal or contact the Delhi Drug Control Department helpline for guidance and follow-up.