By Ashima Sharda Mahindra

Copyright timesnownews

At least two children died, and ten others took ill after consuming a generic cough syrup manufactured by a pharmaceutical company for the Rajasthan government, in the last two weeks. Similar cases have also been reported from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, where six children have died over the past month from suspected kidney infections after reportedly consuming two types of similar syrups. Police said the syrup, manufactured by Kayson Pharma, had a few batches that contained the compound dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and it came to light earlier this week after a five-year-old boy died hours after being given the drug in Sikar. The boy had developed a cough and cold and was taken by his parents to the Community Health Centre in Chirana village, where the on-duty doctor prescribed him a cough syrup. The boy died in his sleep. Another two-year-old boy in a Bharatpur village also passed away after he was given the same cough syrup. State governments takes action The Rajasthan government has now banned more than 20 batches of the syrup and put a freeze on their distribution. Medical department officials said 1.33 lakh bottles of the syrup have been given to patients in Rajasthan since July. Over 8,200 bottles of the syrup are also in stock at the SMS Hospital in Jaipur, but officials have been told to make sure they are not prescribed. A central team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has collected samples as part of a probe. What happened after the children took cough syrup? News reports say that after the children were given the syrup, they started having breathing issues and felt drowsy. Also, many children reportedly had high fever and had difficulty urinating. However, police said they are investigating the case as it could also be a result of overdosing. In many places where children have fallen ill, most have recovered after receiving treatment. According to NTDV, Rajasthan’s Drug Controller Ajay Phatak said that the cough syrup supplied by the same company was debarred in 2023 because it had a low percentage of menthol. “We have collected statutory samples from the affected batches and sent them for quality testing. A detailed investigation report is expected within five to six days,” Phatak said. Reports also say all the affected children were under the age of four years, and despite the syrup primarily being indicated for adults. This has raised further concerns about prescription and distribution practices under public health schemes. How to use a cough syrup safely? According to doctors, if you are taking an over-the-counter cough syrup, make sure to follow all directions on the product package before taking the medication. Always make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended for your age. There are many brands and forms of this product available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of cough suppressant and antihistamine may be different between products.