Source The Hindu
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has issued an urgent “stop use notice” for a children’s medicine after tests revealed the presence of toxic Ethylene Glycol, a chemical that can cause serious health complications, including kidney failure and neurological damage.
According to officials from the state’s Drug Control Administration (DCA), samples of the pediatric medicine failed quality tests during routine inspections. Laboratory analysis confirmed contamination with Ethylene Glycol, a substance not permitted for use in pharmaceutical formulations, especially in medicines meant for children.
Following the findings, the DCA directed pharmacies, hospitals, distributors, and healthcare providers across the state to immediately stop the sale, distribution, and use of the affected batch. Stocks of the medicine are being traced and recalled to prevent further exposure.
Health authorities have advised parents and caregivers not to administer the identified medicine to children and to consult doctors immediately if the drug has already been used and any unusual symptoms are noticed. Symptoms of Ethylene Glycol poisoning can include vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, reduced urine output, and drowsiness.
The manufacturer of the medicine has been asked to submit an explanation, while further investigations are underway to determine how the toxic substance entered the formulation. Officials said strict action will be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act if violations are confirmed.
The Telangana health department reiterated that patient safety remains its top priority and assured the public that surveillance on drug quality has been intensified to prevent similar incidents in the future.
