HYDERABAD: Stop-use notice issued for two adulterated cough syrups
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, on October 8, 2025, issued a public alert after two cough syrup brands—‘Relife’ and ‘Respifresh TR’—were found adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent.
According to the DCA, the alert was received from the Drug Testing Laboratory, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, which confirmed the contamination in lab reports. DEG contamination has been associated with fatal poisoning incidents in the past.
Batches and manufacturers identified
The affected products are:
‘Relife’ Cough Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline Sulphate & Menthol Syrup) — Batch No. LSL25160; Expiry: December 2026; Manufactured by M/s Shape Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat (Plot No. 4, Shekhpar–363510).
‘Respifresh TR’ Cough Syrup (Bromhexine Hydrochloride, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaiphenesin & Menthol Syrup) — Batch No. R01GL2523; Expiry: December 2026; Manufactured by M/s Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Bavla–Bagodara N.H. 8A, District Ahmedabad, Gujarat (Survey No. 586 & 231, Near SKF Bearing, Taluka Bavla – 383220).
Public urged to stop use immediately
The DCA has urged the public to immediately stop using these syrups if in possession and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority. Complaints and reports can also be made through the DCA’s toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all working days.
Retailers directed to freeze stocks
All Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors in Telangana have been directed to alert retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and hospitals to freeze existing stocks of the two products and prevent their sale or distribution under any circumstances.
Enforcement measures under way
DCA Director General Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, said necessary enforcement action had been initiated and the situation was being closely monitored to safeguard public health. He urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid using the identified cough syrups to avert possible health risks from DEG toxicity.
