WHO ALERT: Cough syrups that could cause death
The National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has notified the public of the alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) about two cough syrups that represent a high risk to health.
The products identified are AMBRONOL syrup and DOK–1Max syrup; the manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT. LTD , from Uttar Pradesh, India.
According to the Minsa statement, the products are of inferior quality and do not meet standards or specifications. “The analyzes of the samples of both products, carried out by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, found that they contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants.”
The substandard products referenced in this alert are cautioned to be unsafe and their use, especially by children, may result in serious injury or death.
Toxic effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to urinate, headache, altered mental status, and acute kidney injury that can lead to death.