Telangana Bans Almont-Kid Syrup After Ethylene Glycol Contamination; Parents Urged to Stop Use Immediately

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (TGDCA) on Saturday issued an urgent public advisory directing the immediate discontinuation of Almont-Kid Syrup, a medicine commonly prescribed for allergies, hay fever and asthma in children, after it was allegedly found to be adulterated with the highly toxic substance ethylene glycol (EG).

Telangana Bans Almont-Kid Syrup: Know Why

In an official notification, the TGDCA said it received an alert from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), East Zone, Kolkata, based on a laboratory analysis that declared the syrup adulterated. The affected medicine is Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup, sold under the brand name Almont-Kid.

Following the alert, the state drug regulator strongly cautioned the public against using the syrup. "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 TGDCA said in its advisory.

The administration has specified that the concern relates to a particular batch of the product. The batch in question is Almont-Kid Syrup, batch number AL-24002, manufactured in January 2025 with an expiry date of December 2026. The syrup was manufactured by Tridus Remedies, located at Plot No. D-42 and D-43, Phase-II, Industrial Area, Hajipur, Vaishali district, Bihar.

What To Do If You Consumed Banned Medicines or Almont-Kid Syrup? Check Helpline Numbers

To facilitate prompt reporting, the TGDCA has urged consumers in possession of the affected batch to contact the department directly through its toll-free helpline 1800-599-6969, which operates on all working days from 10.30 am onwards. The advisory was issued under the authority of Shahanawaz Qasim, Director General, TGDCA.

The drug control body has also instructed all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Directors across Telangana to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers, distributors and hospitals. Authorities have been directed to freeze all available stocks of the specified batch and ensure that the product is not sold or dispensed under any circumstances.

Almont-Kid Syrup Uses

Almont Kid 2.5mg/4mg Tablet is commonly prescribed in children to treat symptoms of allergy such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, swelling, congestion and watery eyes. It may also help in the treatment of asthma and skin allergies as per 1Mg.com.

What is Ethylene Glycol? How Are Syrups Made of Ethylene Glycol Is Hazardous?

Ethylene glycol is a toxic industrial chemical that can cause severe health complications if ingested, particularly in children. It is a colourless, odourless, sweet-tasting industrial chemical commonly used in products such as antifreeze, coolants and solvents, but it is highly toxic.

When ethylene glycol contaminates medicinal syrups, it can cause severe poisoning because the body metabolises it into toxic compounds that damage vital organs. Consumption can lead to acute kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, neurological symptoms, breathing difficulty and even death if not treated promptly.

Even small amounts can be fatal, which is why its presence in oral medicines is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited under drug safety regulations.

The TGDCA has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from using the identified product to prevent any potential health risks, adding that strict action will be taken against any violation of the advisory.