India’s drug regulator banned a combination of anti-cold drug for children below 4 years of age.
This is due to the reported deaths of 141 children since 2019 in the nations of Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon on consumption of cough syrups.
In India itself, about 12 children died and four others suffered severe disabilities due to the consumption of such drugs.
In the wake of these deaths, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) found rationale in introducing warnings on anti-cold drugs given to children below four years of age.
Often recognized as the World’s Pharmacy, deaths from these exports have cast shadows on the burgeoning pharma market existing in India.
The fixed drug combination comprises chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine, used for treating the common cold in children has been approved for manufacturing but with a cautionary warning.
The regulatory body has introduced further stringent measures to avoid any such mishap from exported drugs.
However, the concerned pharma companies involved in these incidences have denied any wrongdoings on their part.
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