Madhya Pradesh Cough Syrup Tragedy

The Madhya Pradesh Cough Syrup Tragedy refers to a public health disaster (in October 2025) in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, where a number of young children died after taking a contaminated cough syrup named 'Coldrif'. The deaths were linked to acute kidney failure — the children showed symptoms such as vomiting, reduced urination, and rapidly worsening kidney function. 

Tests revealed that the Coldrif syrup (Batch SR‑13, manufactured May 2025, expiry April 2027) was “Not of Standard Quality” and contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG). This is a highly toxic industrial chemical used, for example, in antifreeze. The permissible limit for such contaminants in medicines is very small (about 0.1%). Diethylene glycol poisoning can rapidly cause kidney damage, liver damage, neurological problems, and death — especially in small children.

'Coldrif' Cough Syrup was manufactured by 'Sresan Pharmaceuticals', a Tamil Nadu based pharmaceutical company. The government of Madhya Pradesh banned the sale and distribution of Coldrif syrup across the state. And Ranganathan Govindan the owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals was arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police on 9 October 2025.