Toxic chemical found in popular children’s medicine, India

HYDERABAD – Telangana health authorities have issued an urgent stop‑use advisory for a popular children’s medicine. Laboratory tests detected toxic ethylene glycol in Almont-Kid Syrup. The syrup is commonly prescribed for allergies and respiratory symptoms in children. Officials urged parents to immediately stop using the product and report any possession to local drug authorities.

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) said the alert came from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone. Authorities directed drug inspectors, distributors, wholesalers, and hospitals to freeze all stock of the affected batch. The syrup must not be sold or dispensed under any circumstances.

Ethylene glycol is widely used as an industrial solvent and in antifreeze products. It is highly toxic and not approved for medicinal use. If ingested, it rapidly converts into compounds that damage the central nervous system, heart, and kidneys. Children are particularly at risk because the syrup’s sweet taste may lead to accidental consumption.

The safety alert comes amid broader concerns about contaminated syrups in India. In late 2025, multiple states banned Coldrif cough syrup after detecting diethylene glycol, another toxic industrial solvent. That contamination was linked to dozens of child deaths from acute kidney failure.

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Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala were among the states that immediately halted the sale of Coldrif. Authorities also launched investigations to trace the contaminated batches and hold manufacturers accountable. The current Almont-Kid Syrup alert has renewed calls for stricter drug safety enforcement nationwide.

State regulators in Telangana are reviewing how the contaminated syrup batch entered the supply chain. They are assessing whether further action against the manufacturer is necessary. Investigations aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure medicines meet safety standards.

Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor their children for unusual symptoms after taking any medicines. Healthcare professionals should be consulted immediately if signs of poisoning appear. Authorities also encourage everyone to stay updated on official drug safety notifications.