The Government of Maharashtra has issued an urgent prohibition order banning the sale and distribution of specific batches of cough syrups found contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic chemical compound known to cause severe poisoning and even death.
The order, issued under Section 18 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, follows an official communication from the FDA, Madhya Pradesh, confirming that the syrups were adulterated and “Not of Standard Quality” after laboratory testing detected DEG impurities above permissible limits.
⚠️ Details of Affected Drugs
| Sr. No. | Name of Drug | Batch No. | Expiry Date | Manufacturer |
| 1 | Respifresh TR Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin & Menthol) | R01GL2523 | 12/2026 | M/s Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Survey No. 586 & 231, NR SKF Bearing, Bavla, Bagodara, N.H. 8A, Tal. Bavla, Dist. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 383220 |
| 2 | Relife Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate & Menthol) | LSL25160 | 12/2026 | M/s Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 4, Sundernagar, Rajkot Highway Road, Shekhpur, Gujarat – 363510 |
☠️ Health Risk of Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a toxic industrial solvent that should never be present in pharmaceutical formulations. Ingestion can lead to:
- Acute kidney failure
- Liver damage
- Neurological complications
- Metabolic acidosis and multi-organ failure
- Fatal poisoning, particularly among children and vulnerable patients
Several past global incidents of DEG contamination have resulted in multiple fatalities, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
🚫 Immediate Prohibition Order
In view of the potential danger to public health, the Maharashtra Government has:
- Prohibited the sale, distribution, and use of the affected cough syrup batches with immediate effect.
- Directed retailers, wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, and medical practitioners across the State to cease any transactions involving these products.
- Ordered all licensed dealers to report any existing stock or distribution details to their respective Assistant Commissioners (FDA District Offices) without delay.
The order further warns that non-compliance will attract strict action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
👥 Public Advisory
The general public has been strongly advised to:
- Avoid purchase or consumption of the affected cough syrups listed above.
- Check batch numbers carefully before using any similar formulations.
- Report suspected sales or stock of these syrups to local FDA authorities.
- Seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences unusual symptoms after consumption.
🛡️ Public Health Priority
The prohibition is part of the government’s ongoing effort to ensure drug quality surveillance and consumer safety. The FDA Maharashtra reiterated that strict market monitoring and batch testing will continue to prevent substandard or contaminated products from reaching patients.
The government has called for the cooperation of healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and the public to ensure full compliance and safeguard public health.
✅ Conclusion
The Maharashtra Government’s action serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The presence of Diethylene Glycol in medicinal syrups poses a grave health hazard, and its detection has prompted swift regulatory response.
Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies, and immediately report any suspect drugs to the authorities.
This prohibition order is binding on all stakeholders and issued in the interest of public health and safety.