India halts production of cough syrups suspected of links to child deaths

New Delhi —  The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization  has halted production at Maiden Pharmaceuticals company after the World Health Organization (WHO) said its cough and cold syrups may be linked to the deaths of dozens of children. The WHO suspects that four of the syrups made byMaiden Pharmaceuticals Limited – Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup – have “unacceptable amounts” of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, which can damage the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Health officials believe the medicines may be linked to the deaths of more than 60 children in the Gambia, Africa, and potentially more than 20 children in the Southeast Asian country of Indonesia. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization said Maiden Pharmaceuticals had been manufacturing and testing drugs without adhering to, and in contravention of, the various good manufacturing practice requirements. “In view of the seriousness of the contraventions observed during the investigation and its potential risk to the quality, safety and efficacy of the drugs being produced, all the manufacturing activities of the firm is being stopped with immediate effect,” it said.