The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued a "rapid alert" on Thursday, revealing the detection of toxic elements in raw materials used for cough syrup production.
Although the toxic ingredients were identified in a specific batch of raw materials from the Dow Chemical Company of Thailand, DRAP has directed the company to recall cough syrup from other batches, allowing it back into the market only after thorough testing.
The particular batch, identified as C815N30R41, exhibited hazardous concentrations of toxic substances in the imported raw material propylene glycol. Dow Chemical Company of Thailand has yet to respond to the alert, and investigations are ongoing.
This incident coincides with concerns over propylene glycol allegedly contributing to the deaths of 300 children in Indonesia, Gambia, and Uzbekistan. While propylene glycol is commonly used in cough syrups, this specific imported batch has been found to contain unhealthy concentrations of toxic substances.
DRAP, in its alert, disclosed that the seized shipment is under investigation throughout the entire supply chain. An examination at the Central Drug Authority in Karachi revealed excessive amounts of ethylene glycol, posing serious health risks. Ethylene glycol can damage the central nervous system, heart, and kidneys if ingested.
The origin of the syrups, whether locally produced or imported, remains unclear. Nevertheless, DRAP has mandated the immediate withdrawal of syrup made from all shipments of Dow Chemical Thailand's propylene glycol from the market.
This alert has been disseminated to pharmaceutical companies, medical professionals, and is accessible on DRAP's website. Any syrup made from the specified batch must be removed from the market, and syrup produced from other Dow Chemical propylene glycol batches should undergo testing before being reintroduced into the supply chain.
