A serious public health warning has been issued by the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana after laboratory tests confirmed that two popular cough syrups were contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe poisoning and even death if consumed.

According to official reports released on October 8, 2025, the Drug Testing Laboratory in Bhopal detected the presence of DEG in two brands during routine testing. The chemical is an industrial solvent and is sometimes illegally used as a substitute for glycerin in drug formulations. Even a small dose of DEG can lead to kidney failure, neurological complications, and fatal poisoning.

The contaminated syrups identified are:

Relife Cough Syrup (Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaiphenesin, Terbutaline S

See Full Page