Manipur's Urgent Health Alert: Two Cough Syrups Banned Over Deadly Toxic Chemicals

Manipur has sounded a crucial public health alarm, taking decisive action to protect its citizens from potentially deadly pharmaceuticals. In an urgent move, the state's health authorities have announced an immediate ban on two widely available cough syrup brands, TD Kof and Ambronol, following alarming discoveries of highly toxic chemicals within their formulations.

The banned products, 'TD Kof' manufactured by Ducis Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd and 'Ambronol' from Zexus Pharmaceuticals, were found to contain dangerous levels of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

These industrial solvents, known for their severe toxicity, were detected at shocking concentrations: TD Kof showed 1.40% w/v and 0.90% w/v of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol respectively, while Ambronol registered even higher levels at 1.96% w/v and 2.05% w/v for the same compounds. The presence of these substances at such levels is a grave concern, as ingestion can lead to acute kidney failure and even death.

This critical finding emerged from diligent surveillance by the state's Drugs Control Administration.

Acting on their mandate, officials collected samples of the suspect cough syrups from various local pharmacies across Manipur. These samples were then rigorously tested at the State Drugs Testing Laboratory, where the hazardous contaminants were precisely identified and quantified, leaving no doubt about the imminent threat they posed to consumers.

Following the conclusive test results, the Commissioner (Health and Family Welfare) and the state Drugs Controller promptly issued the ban order.

This directive prohibits the immediate manufacture, sale, and distribution of both TD Kof and Ambronol within Manipur's borders. Furthermore, the order emphasizes that strict legal action will be initiated against the manufacturers and all dealers involved, under the stringent provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

This swift response underscores the state's commitment to ensuring drug safety and holding responsible parties accountable.

This incident in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of recent global health concerns. In a disturbing parallel, several countries including Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon have reported tragic deaths linked to Indian-made cough syrups contaminated with diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

These international incidents prompted a serious re-evaluation of drug quality control, leading the Indian government to implement mandatory testing for all cough syrup exports to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies. Manipur's proactive ban reinforces the necessity for constant vigilance in the domestic market as well.

The swift regulatory action in Manipur sends a clear message: public health and safety remain paramount.

Consumers are urged to exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals for alternative medications. This ban is not just a regulatory measure; it's a vital safeguard against hidden dangers, reaffirming the state's dedication to protecting its citizens from unsafe pharmaceutical products.