It is reported that the syrups have a critically high content of ethylene glycol, a compound used in the production of coolants for car engines (antifreeze).
Allergy and cough syrups containing toxic substances that can cause death in children have been found in countries in the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Reuters wrote this in connection with a statement from the World Health Organization.
In the past, the WHO linked the deaths of more than 300 children in Gambia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan to the use of cough syrups produced by six pharmaceutical companies in India and Indonesia, and now we are talking about low-quality syrup produced by the Pakistani company Pharmix Laboratories.
It is reported that the syrups have a critically high content of ethylene glycol, a compound used in the production of coolants for car engines (antifreeze). The contamination level of ethylene glycol in the said drug ranges from 0.62% to 0.82%, and the acceptable level is no more than 0.10%.
During a routine inspection by Pharmix Laboratories in November of this year, a toxic substance was found in Alergo cough syrup. Subsequent testing revealed that a number of the pharmaceutical company’s other medicinal products also contained ethylene glycol. Pharmix Laboratories was ordered to cease production of all oral liquid medications.
According to the WHO, the toxic substance was found in 23 batches of Allergo, Mucorid, Zinsell syrups and Emidon and Ulkofin suspensions.
“These substandard drugs are dangerous and their use, especially in children, can cause serious side effects or death,” the WHO warned.
It was previously reported that in Dnipro, a pharmacist mother injected her one-and-a-half-year-old son with a powerful drug banned for free sale. Because of this, the child died in intensive care.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.