Should we be worried about contaminated cough syrups and toxic eye drops?
If you're feeling under the weather, it's easy to assume that you've just caught a run-of-the-mill cold. But what if your symptoms are a little more intense than usual? What if your cough syrup tastes like something brewed in a toxic waste dump, or your eye drops burn your eyes worse than a jalapeño pepper?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a caution around dodgy medical product use after over 300 children in Africa and Asia tragically lost their lives. The WHO has identified these products as “substandard and falsified” and urges more action to protect children from harmful medicines.
What’s the issue with contaminated syrups?
Some cough syrups have been found to contain harmful substances like ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical that's used in antifreeze.
Ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are colourless, odourless liquids, commonly used in various industrial applications, including as coolants and antifreeze in automobiles and other vehicles. They are also used to produce certain plastics, resins and textiles.
Both ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol are highly toxic when ingested and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure, brain damage, and even death.
Unfortunately, DEG has been found in several cough syrups in Africa and other parts of the world. The ingestion of contaminated cough syrup containing DEG has led to numerous cases of illness and death, particularly in children.
Typical symptoms include:
- Nausea: often the first symptom, causes discomfort in the stomach that often precedes vomiting.
- Vomiting: helps the body get rid of toxins, but it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if severe.
- Diarrhoea: frequent loose and watery stools.
- Fever: elevated body temperature above 36.5–37.5°C.
- Abdominal pain: discomfort in the area between the chest and pelvis.
- Liver/kidney damage: contaminated cough syrup can damage filtering organs. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, and swelling of legs/ankles.
Toxic eye drops
If you've ever had red, itchy, or dry eyes, you know that a good set of eyedrops can be a godsend. But some eye drops have been found to contain harmful ingredients like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can irritate your eyes and even damage your vision over time.
BAK is a type of chemical that’s commonly used as a disinfecting agent and preservative in eye drops. However, its usage has been linked to various adverse effects on the ocular surface, including inflammation and damage to the corneal nerves. These harmful effects can ultimately result in dry eye disease over the medium-to-long term.
Common symptoms to watch for:
Eye irritation
- Redness, itching, and swelling of the eyes are common symptoms of toxicity caused by eye drops.
Blurred vision
- Eye drops can cause blurred vision, making it difficult to see clearly.
Eye pain
- Eye pain can be a symptom of toxicity caused by eye drops. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Headache
- Eye drops can cause headaches, which can be mild or severe, depending on the toxicity level.
Good to know
Contaminated cough syrup and toxic eye drops can cause serious harm. But armed with the right information, you can protect yourself and your kids and stay healthy. Always stay up to date on the latest news and safety information on common health products. When in doubt, speak with your MediRite pharmacist before buying a product.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.