WHO warns of dangers of Indian Cough Syrups

The World Health Organisation has warned all countries that four cough syrups made by Indian company Maiden Pharmaceuticals have caused the death of 66 children in The Gambia. However, the WHO also noted that the danger is not limited to The Gambia. Because it is possible that these syrups containing narcotic substances were distributed outside the West African country.

The names of the preparations are as follows: promethazine oral solution, Cofexmaline children's cough syrup, Makoff children's cough syrup and Magrip H cold syrup.

It is noted that to date, the manufacturer has not provided WHO with any warranty documents regarding the safety and quality of these products.

Laboratory analysis of the four products revealed the presence of very high levels of contaminants - ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are toxic to humans and can be fatal.

Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, altered mental status and acute renal failure with fatal outcome.