Telangana bans Almont-Kid Syrup over safety concerns

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Saturday issued an urgent advisory directing an immediate halt to the use of Almont-Kid Syrup , a commonly prescribed paediatric medicine, after it was found adulterated with Ethylene Glycol (EG) , a highly toxic substance.

The action followed an alert from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata , which detected the contamination during laboratory analysis of a sample of the syrup. Ethylene Glycol has no permissible limit in medicines and its presence renders the product “adulterated” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

According to the DCA notification, the affected product is Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup , marketed under the brand name Almont-Kid. The advisory applies specifically to Batch No. AL-24002 , manufactured by Tridus Remedies, Bihar .

“In light of the above, the public is hereby strongly advised to immediately stop the use of the above syrup, if in possession, and report the same to the nearest Drugs Control Authority without delay,” the DCA said.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to check the batch number on the medicine bottles and consult doctors for alternative treatment. The public can also report possession of the affected syrup directly to the Drugs Control Administration through its toll-free helpline: 1800-599-6969.

Drug inspectors have been instructed to ensure withdrawal of the batch from medical stores and supply chains across the state. Further action against the manufacturer will be initiated based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Ethylene Glycol contamination in liquid oral medicines has been linked to child fatalities in several countries in the past, prompting drug regulators to mandate stringent screening of paediatric syrups nationwide. In late 2025, over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan died due to consuming cough syrups contaminated with a toxic industrial chemical, prompting the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) to issue a series of "Stop Use" notices and take regulatory action.