Core Points - Two Indian drugmakers, Sresan Pharmaceuticals and Kaysons Pharma, are under regulatory scrutiny due to cough syrups linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan [1][2][3] - The central drug regulator found toxic contaminants, specifically diethylene glycol, in cough syrup samples, prompting bans on sales in several states [4][5] - A total of 11 children under the age of five have died, with the cough syrup Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals being at the center of the controversy [3][5] - The Indian health ministry reported that Coldrif contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a harmful industrial chemical [4][5] - Following the incidents, sales of Coldrif have been banned in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and a case has been registered against Sresan Pharmaceuticals [6] - Rajasthan has suspended sales of 19 medicines from Kaysons Pharma due to adverse effects linked to its cough syrups, and health officials have faced disciplinary actions [7] Industry Insights - The issue of cough syrup safety in India is not new, with previous incidents of child deaths linked to Indian-made cough syrups reported in countries like Uzbekistan and The Gambia [2][11] - The fragmented public health regulatory system in India complicates enforcement of drug safety, as regulations are divided between central and state authorities [12] - Medical experts emphasize the need for strict dosing and caution against over-the-counter cough syrups for children under two years old due to potential serious side effects [8][9][10]