DFCO allays fears over use of banned anti-cold syrups in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 21: The Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) in Jammu and Kashmir has urged the public not to panic stating that the banned anti-cold syrups are not being misused in Kashmir.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) recently imposed a ban on a commonly used anti-cold medicine combination for infants and children under four years of age. The banned drugs, Chlorpheniramine Maleate (antiallergic) and Phenylephrine (decongestant), are frequently present in cold medications for young children.

Lotika Khajuria, State Drugs Controller, told Greater Kashmir that warnings about the ban would be included on labels and package inserts. "Our chemists and doctors would not recommend these two syrups for infants as they are aware of the potential risks," Khajuria said.

Dr Javaid, a senior Pediatrician at SKIMS told Greater Kashmir that these banned drugs were not recommended for children up to five years of age due to side effects such as drowsiness and over-sleeping. He added, "Medicines, especially syrups, are not recommended for infants with cold, as it may lead to inactivity, making it challenging to rule out any underlying diseases."

Recently, the WHO had issued an alert over four cough and cold syrups made by Maiden Pharmaceuticals in India, warning they could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in the Gambia. These include Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup.

Earlier, taking cognisance of the WHO ban, Deputy Drug Controller Kashmir had asked all Assistant Drug Controllers (ADCs) for immediate action after identifying the formulations from the distribution channels.