New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious “Medical Product Alert” for three cough and cold syrups made in India. These medicines have been identified as “substandard (contaminated)” and are linked to cases of severe illness and death among children. The alert numbered N°5/2025, was issued on October 13, 2025.
According to the WHO India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) reported on October 8, 2025 that the toxic substance Diethylene Glycol (DEG) was found in three oral liquid medicines. This followed the identification of localized clusters of acute illness and child fatalities in India. The CDSCO informed the WHO that the affected children had allegedly consumed these contaminated products.
The three medicines under alert are:
- COLDRIF: Manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical
- Respifresh TR: Manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals
- ReLife: Manufactured by Shape Pharma
These medicines are commonly used to provide relief from symptoms of the common cold, flu or cough.
The Dangers of Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol is an industrial solvent that is highly toxic to humans. Its consumption can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea inability to pass urine headache an altered mental state and acute kidney injury which can be fatal. The WHO has clarified that the contaminated medicines mentioned in this alert are unsafe and their use, especially in children may result in serious injury or death. In one of the syrups the level of Diethylene Glycol was found to be nearly 500 times the permissible limit.
Government Takes Action
The CDSCO has confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at the implicated manufacturing sites and have suspended their product authorizations. Furthermore, a process to recall the contaminated products from the market has been initiated.
Indian authorities have informed the WHO that none of the contaminated medicines have been exported from India and there is currently no evidence of illegal export. Despite this the WHO has encouraged national regulators in other countries to conduct targeted market surveillance paying special attention to informal and unregulated supply chains where these products might circulate undetected.
Advice for the Public and Healthcare Professionals
The WHO has advised the public not to use these products if they have them. If you or someone you know, has used these medicines and is experiencing any adverse effects, you should seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional. All medical products should only be purchased from authorized and licensed suppliers.
Healthcare professionals are urged to report the detection of such substandard products and any incidents of adverse events to their National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
Also Read: Tragedy Repeats in India: 11 Child Deaths Linked to Toxic Cough Syrup, Echoing 2022 WHO Alert
