Amid the row over ‘cough syrup deaths’, the Press Information Bureau (PIB)'s fact-check arm on Monday, busted a video claiming that Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide component in cough syrups has been banned.
The government clarified that Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide does not have a blanket ban for usage.
This comes after India declared three cough syrups as toxic after 22 children died of kidney failure due to their consumption over the last month.
The PIB's fact-check division referred to a video circulating on social media – claiming that Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide – a chemical component is being used in cough syrups despite the government banning the same.
However, the unit debunked the claims.
The government clarified that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has banned only fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) containing 'Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide' – specifically those combined with antihistamines and decongestants – primarily restricting their use in children and mandating ‘not for children below 4 years.’
Around 20 children in Madhya Pradesh passed away due to kidney failure after consuming allegedly contaminated cough syrup. All the deaths were linked to the Coldrif cough syrup.
Following the deaths, India banned three cough syrups – Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife due to adulteration in those which is injurious to health.
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