Sat Oct 04 12:58:56 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Kerala State Drugs Control department has banned the sale of Coldrif cough syrup due to reports of elevated levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the SR 13 batch, manufactured by Sresan Pharma in Tamil Nadu. While preliminary information suggests this specific batch hasn’t been sold in Kerala, a ban is in place as a precaution. Distributors and pharmacies have been alerted, inspections are underway, and samples of other cough syrups are being tested. Furthermore, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued directives against prescribing cough syrup for children under two and provided guidelines for older children.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Bans Coldrif Cough Syrup Amid Safety Concerns**

**Thiruvananthapuram, October 4, 2025** – The Kerala State Drugs Control department has issued an immediate ban on the sale of Coldrif cough syrup across the state, citing safety concerns related to potentially elevated levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). The announcement was made by Health Minister Veena George on Saturday.

The action follows reports originating outside Kerala indicating that samples from batch SR 13 of Coldrif cough syrup, produced by Sresan Pharma in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, contained DEG above the permissible limits. DEG is a toxic substance that can cause serious health issues.

“Although initial investigations suggest that no stock from the affected batch (SR 13) has been sold within Kerala, we are implementing this ban as a crucial precautionary measure to safeguard public health,” stated a representative from the Drugs Control department.

All eight distributors of Coldrif cough syrup in Kerala have been notified to cease distribution and sales immediately. Pharmacies across the state have also been alerted to enforce the sales ban.

The Drugs Control department is currently conducting widespread inspections throughout Kerala. Samples of Coldrif, as well as other brands of cough medicines, are being collected for laboratory testing. Authorities have also ordered the sampling and testing of cough syrups manufactured by five pharmaceutical companies operating within Kerala.

The Kerala State Medical Services Corporation Ltd. has confirmed that Coldrif syrup is not among the drugs it distributes.

This action coincides with a directive issued Friday by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) advising doctors against prescribing cough syrups to children under the age of two. The DCGI further instructed pharmacies to refrain from selling cough syrups, even with a prescription, for this age group. For children over five, the DCGI emphasized that cough medication should only be prescribed after thorough clinical evaluation, close supervision, and strict adherence to appropriate dosing guidelines.

The Drugs Control department has urged the public to cooperate with the ban and to consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate treatment options for coughs, especially in young children.

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