WHO Alerts Against Substandard Indian Cough and Cold Medicines Containing DEG

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert on three oral liquid medicines manufactured in India—Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu), Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceutical, Gujarat), and ReLife (Shape Pharma, Gujarat)—after detecting diethylene glycol (DEG) contamination, which poses life-threatening risks. The alert follows reports of acute illness and child fatalities linked to these medicines, confirmed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

WHO classified the products as substandard, failing to meet quality standards. While there is no evidence of export, the organization advised national regulatory authorities (NRAs) to increase market surveillance, especially in informal supply chains, and to assess risks from other oral liquid medicines from the same manufacturing sites from December 2024.

The contaminated products have reportedly caused over 20 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, prompting regulatory actions, including the arrest of the manufacturer and license cancellation. WHO urges healthcare professionals to report adverse events and authorities to notify them if these products are detected in their countries.

The Indian government has directed states to enforce revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) strictly.

14-10-2025