Stop Use Notice for two cough syrups was issued by Telangana Drug Control Administration. The image is used for representative purposes only.
| Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a ‘Stop Use Notice’ after receiving a warning from the Drug Testing Laboratory, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which declared two cough syrups adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical compound known to cause severe health complications and fatalities.
The laboratory report identified Relife Cough Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate and Menthol Syrup) and Respifresh TR Cough Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin and Menthol Syrup) as contaminated with DEG.
The Relife batch in question bears the number LSL25160, manufactured by M/s. Shape Pharma Private Limited, Shekhpar, Gujarat, while the Respifresh TR batch carries number R01GL2523, manufactured by M/s. Rednex Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Bavla, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Both batches carry an expiry date of December 2026.
Diethylene Glycol, an industrial solvent, is known for its toxic effects when consumed, leading to kidney failure, neurological damage, and in severe cases, death.
Phone number
Following the alert, the DCA has urged the public to immediately discontinue the use of these two cough syrups, if in possession, and to report them to the nearest Drugs Control Authority. Citizens have also been advised to contact the DCA directly through its toll-free number 1800-599-6969, which is active between 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all working days.
The DCA has directed all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to alert retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze any existing stocks of the identified batches and ensure that they are neither dispensed nor sold.
Earlier, the DCA had issued a public advisory urging the public to discontinue the use of Coldrif Syrup, batch number SR-13, after reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan suggested that the consumption of the medicine was linked to the deaths of several children.
Published – October 08, 2025 02:42 pm IST
