NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over ‘Toxic’ Cough Syrups

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has notified the public of two “substandard (contaminated)” cough syrups named AMBRONOL and DOK-1 Max containing “toxic” ingredients.

In a statement published Sunday on its website, the agency noted that the products were identified in Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It defined substandard medical products as ones that fail to meet quality standards or specifications and are therefore “out of specification”.

According to NAFDAC, laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and /or ethylene glycol as contaminants.

“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

“Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” the agency stated.