The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday issued a warning on contaminated batches of cough syrup sold in Cameroon for containing unacceptable amounts of contaminating chemicals.
According to WHO, for the region, Africathe active ingredients listed in Natucol Syrup are listed as Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate, a combination used to relieve symptoms associated with colds, flu, and allergic rhinitis.
The cough syrup was analyzed by a WHO-contracted laboratory after samples from Cameroon became available last month.
As a result of analysis, 28.6% diethylene glycol was detected in the syrup. The tolerance limit is 0.10% or less. Diethylene glycol is commonly used as a solvent, but it can be illegally used in pharmaceuticals as a cheap substitute for more expensive ingredients.
Contaminated cough syrup is especially dangerous for children
According to WHO, diethylene glycol is toxic to humans and can be fatal. The warning declares this product to be unsafe, especially for children, as it can cause serious injury or death.
Other side effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to urinate, headache, altered mental status, and potentially fatal acute kidney injury.
The product packaging lists Fraken International (England) as the manufacturer, but UK national regulators have confirmed that no such company exists in the UK, Reuters reported.
“Investigations are still ongoing to determine the origin of this product,” the WHO said, adding that the product may be licensed in other countries.
Over 300 children died from contaminated cough syrup gambiaUzbekistan, Indonesia In 2022.
this article was first published DW.
