The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Saturday issued an urgent “stop use” advisory for Almont-Kid Syrup, a commonly prescribed paediatric medicine used to treat allergies, hay fever and asthma, after it was allegedly found to be adulterated with Ethylene Glycol (EG)—a highly toxic chemical substance.

The advisory follows an alert received from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata, which forwarded a laboratory test report declaring the syrup adulterated. Ethylene Glycol is known to cause severe health complications, including kidney failure and neurological damage, and its presence in pharmaceutical formulations poses a serious public health risk, particularly for children.

Immediate Suspension of Use and Sale

In its notification, the Telangana DCA strongly advised the public to immediately stop using Almont-Kid Syrup if it is in their possession and to report the same without delay to the nearest Drugs Control Authority.

“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.

The administration has directed all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to urgently inform retailers, wholesalers, distributors and hospitals to freeze all available stocks of the identified batch. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that the product is neither sold nor dispensed under any circumstances.

Product and Manufacturer Details

According to the advisory, the affected medicine is Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup, marketed under the brand name Almont-Kid Syrup.

• Batch Number: AL-24002
• Manufacturer: Tridus Remedies, Bihar

The DCA has not indicated whether other batches are affected, but enforcement teams have been asked to remain vigilant and closely monitor supply chains to prevent further circulation of the product.

Public Reporting and Helpline

Members of the public who may have the syrup are encouraged to report possession directly to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, including through the department’s toll-free helpline. Health officials stressed that early reporting will help authorities trace distribution channels and prevent potential harm.

Enforcement Measures Underway

The Drugs Control Administration said it has already initiated necessary enforcement actions and is actively monitoring the situation to safeguard public health. This includes inspections, coordination with central drug authorities and steps to ensure compliance by medical stores and healthcare institutions.

“The public is urged to exercise utmost caution and refrain from using the aforementioned product to avert any potential health hazards associated with Ethylene Glycol toxicity,” the DCA said.

Serious Safety Concerns

Ethylene Glycol has been at the centre of several global and national drug safety alerts in recent years, particularly in paediatric syrups, due to its potentially fatal effects when ingested. Health experts warn that even small amounts can be dangerous for children.

The Telangana DCA’s swift advisory reflects heightened vigilance by drug regulators following past incidents and underscores the importance of strict quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue and authorities assess whether additional regulatory or legal action is required against the manufacturer.