Uzbekistan claims 18 children died after consuming cough syrup produced by Indian firm

Barely months after Gambia alleged that consumption of cough syrups manufactured by India’s Maiden Pharmaceuticals may have caused the death of children in the country, Uzbekistan claimed that 18 children in the country died due to side effects caused by consuming the cough syrup manufactured by an Indian pharma company.

Uzbekistan health ministry, in a statement, claimed that the children had consumed Dok 1 Max Syrup produced by India-based Marion Biotech.

“Since the main component of the drug is paracetamol, Dok 1 Max Syrup was incorrectly used by parents as an anti-cold remedy on their own or on the recommendation of pharmacy sellers. And this was the reason for the deterioration of the condition of patients,” according to the statement.

In the preliminary investigation, it was revealed the the drug contains ethylene glycol, a toxic substance found in industrial grade glycerine. “It was found that the deceased children, before admission to hospital treatment, took this drug at home for two-seven days three-four times a day, 2.5-5 ml, which exceeds the standard dose of the drug for children,” the statement read.

“This substance is toxic, and about 1-2 ml/kg of a 95 per cent concentrated solution can cause serious changes in the patient’s health, such as vomiting, fainting, convulsions, cardiovascular problems and acute kidney failure,” the government statement said.

Marion Biotech is yet to respond to the allegations.

“Dok-1 Max Syrup is an ideal combination of three medical ingredients which reduce symptoms associated with cold, flu, cough, fever and other infectious upper respiratory tract diseases which are accompanied by chill, cough and fever. Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic effects, and poor anti-inflammatory properties which reduce fever, headache and pain. Guaifenesin is an expectorant which increases respiratory tract fluid secretion and helps to lose sputum and bronchial secretion by reducing viscosity of sputum,” description of the syryuo on the website of the company reads.

“Ingredients of Dok-1 Max Syrup are usually well tolerated at the recommended doses. Occasionally you may experience skin rash, abdominal pain, increased blood pressure, dizziness and other allergic reactions,” it further reads.