In a critical public health alert, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has urgently directed the public to immediately stop using a popular children's allergy and asthma syrup. The action comes after the medicine was found to be adulterated with a highly toxic industrial chemical.
Urgent Advisory Issued After Central Alert
The Telangana DCA released its urgent advisory on Saturday, following a direct alert from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone in Kolkata. The central drug regulator provided a laboratory report confirming the adulteration. The affected product is Almont-Kid Syrup (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup), commonly prescribed for allergies, hay fever, and asthma in children.
The DCA's notification was unequivocal in its warning. It strongly advises the public to immediately discontinue the use of the syrup if they have it in their possession. Furthermore, individuals are instructed to report the matter without delay to the nearest Drugs Control Authority office.
Dangerous Contaminant and Manufacturer Details
The laboratory analysis revealed the presence of Ethylene Glycol (EG) in the syrup. Ethylene Glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting liquid used primarily in antifreeze and industrial applications. It is highly toxic to humans and can lead to severe health complications, including kidney failure, neurological damage, and even death if ingested.
The implicated batch of the syrup has been identified as Batch No.: AL-24002. The manufacturer named in the advisory is Tridus Remedies, based in Bihar. The DCA has not yet detailed the extent of the distribution of this specific batch within Telangana or other states.
Immediate Steps for the Public
The Telangana drug regulatory body has outlined clear steps for citizens to follow. Parents and caregivers must:
- Check their medicine cabinets for Almont-Kid Syrup.
- Identify the batch number on the bottle.
- If it matches Batch No. AL-24002, cease use immediately.
- Report the possession of the product to the Drugs Control Administration.
To facilitate easy reporting, the administration has provided a Toll-Free Number for direct contact. This move aims to quickly track and contain the potentially dangerous product still in circulation. The advisory underscores the seriousness of the contamination and the need for swift public cooperation.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in drug regulation and supply chain safety in India. It follows increased scrutiny on cough syrups and pediatric medicines after previous international incidents involving toxic contaminants. The alert from the central CDSCO body indicates a functioning surveillance system, but the primary onus is now on rapid local action to prevent any harm to children.
