A Grave Mix-Up: Veterinary Drug Administered to Children Sparks Health Scare and Urgent Warning in Kerala

A disturbing incident has come to light in several areas of Kerala, where a veterinary drug was mistakenly administered to children instead of their prescribed deworming medicine. This grave error has led to concerning side effects in the young patients and prompted an urgent warning from a leading pediatrician, highlighting the critical dangers of such medical oversights.

The mix-up reportedly occurred in regions including Poothadi, Padinjarathara, Pulpally, and Meenangadi within the Wayanad district.

Instead of receiving Albendazole, the standard deworming medication for children, youngsters were inadvertently given a drug primarily intended for animals – specifically, veterinary Ivermectin.

Following the administration of this incorrect medication, several children began exhibiting a range of unsettling symptoms.

Parents reported instances of vomiting, stomach pain, excessive drowsiness, and noticeable fatigue among the affected children. These adverse reactions quickly raised alarms, bringing the serious nature of the mistake into sharp focus.

Dr. M. K. Jayakrishnan, a prominent pediatrician, was quick to issue a stern caution regarding the incident.

He unequivocally stated that medications formulated for animals should never, under any circumstances, be given to humans. Dr. Jayakrishnan emphasized the vast differences in drug composition, purity, and most critically, dosage between veterinary and human pharmaceuticals.

He further elaborated on the specific drug involved, Ivermectin.

While Ivermectin does have human formulations, the doses used for animals are dramatically higher than what would be safe or appropriate for a child. Furthermore, he noted that Ivermectin is not typically recommended as a routine deworming medicine for children in the same way Albendazole is. The unsupervised use and incorrect dosage of such powerful drugs can lead to severe health complications, potentially impacting vital organs and overall well-being.

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of vigilance in medical administration.

It underscores the necessity for healthcare providers, caregivers, and parents alike to meticulously verify all medications before consumption. Dr. Jayakrishnan urged the public to always seek professional medical consultation for any health concerns, strictly adhere to prescribed treatments, and never resort to self-medication or the use of drugs not specifically approved for human consumption.

Ensuring the correct medication is administered at the appropriate dosage is fundamental to patient safety and preventing future, potentially life-threatening errors.