Three Cough Drugs In India Trigger Death Of 21 Children, Here's WHO's Response

Illustration of cough medicine. (Pexels/cottonbro studio)

JAKARTA - Recently, they stole the attention of three coughed drugbags, allegedly triggering the death of 21 children in India. The drugs contain dietilen glycol (DEG) contamination.

The three cough mildes are Coldrif produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, and two others namely Respifresh and RELIFE.

Lab tests against Coldrif confirmed that there was a ZEG substance with levels nearly 500 times the safe limit. This case received the spotlight from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO said it had identified the circulation of the three cough drugs. Until now, it is confirmed that no export records have been found from the three cough drugs.

However, WHO asked the public to remain alert to the cough drug. This is because there is still the possibility of unofficial exports that could occur.

"WHO is very concerned about this case and highlights the existence of regulatory loopholes in diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol examinations for drugs sold in India's domestic market," a WHO spokesman said, quoted by Reuters, on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Pada catatan WHO, tidaksi Coldrif hanya dijual di pasar lokal. Sementara RELIFE dan Respifresh diketahui beredar di beberapa negara bagian India, tetapi belum ditemukan bukti keduanya dipeksor.