Toxic Chemical Diethylene Glycol in Cough Syrup:
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Bhopal, found that Coldrif cough syrup contained 46.28% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), far exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%.
- The finding led to state-level bans and triggered nationwide regulatory action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a colourless, sweet-tasting industrial chemical commonly used in brake fluids and antifreeze.
- It is misused as a cheap substitute solvent in drug production owing to its close physical similarity to safe pharmaceutical compounds.
- Consumption of DEG can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney failure, and nervous system damage, and may be fatal at high doses.
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of drugs and cosmetics in India through licences and permits.
- Its main aim is to ensure that marketed drugs and cosmetics are safe, effective, and meet national standards.
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, complement the Act by classifying medications into schedules and providing guidelines for their storage, sale, presentation, and prescription.
