Alert: NAFDAC warns against 'substandard' cough syrups identified in Uzbekistan

• Published date: 18 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against two substandard cough syrups identified in Uzbekistan.

In a statement on Monday, NAFDAC named the products as Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup.

The agency said the syrups were manufactured by Marion Biotech, India, adding that the manufacturer did not provide guarantees to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the safety and quality of the products.

It said laboratory analysis of samples of both products carried out by Uzbekistan's ministry of health, showed that the syrups contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

'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 statement said.

It added: 'These substandard products are, therefore, unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious...