The World Health Organization has issued a “warning” on four cough syrups given to children and is “undertaking further investigation” with Maiden Pharmaceuticals, which makes them, and the Indian authorities.
The WHO links their use to 66 childhood deaths in The Gambia. In particular, the WHO statement notes that the syrups are “potentially associated with acute kidney injury and 66 deaths of children,” and the Indian company Maiden Pharmaceuticals that produces them did not provide guarantees for their safety.
Lab Analysis Confirms Syrups Contain ‘Unacceptable Quantities’ diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which are toxic to humans and can be fatal if consumed. All batches of these products should be considered unsafe until they are analyzed by the appropriate national regulatory authoritieshe emphasized.
WHO recommends that national regulatory authorities stop selling such syrups immediatelyhow:
- Promethazine Oral Solution,
- Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup,
- Makoff Baby Cough Syrup
- Magrip N Cold Syrup.
The World Health Organization has stated that the drugs have so far been traced to the Gambia, but may spread to other countries through informal markets.
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