Worms Found in Children's Antibiotic Medicine in Madhya Pradesh; Why Is It Alarming?

In a shocking incident, worms were found in a bottle of antibiotic medicine that was prescribed to a child in a government hospital in Gwalior. The news comes in as there is already an ongoing probe into

child deaths linked to a toxic cough syrup in the state. According to news reports, the incident happened in Morar town when a woman complained of finding worms in a bottle of Azithromycin antibiotic oral suspension. Following the complaint, the entire stock of the medicine has been sealed, and authorities have sent samples for laboratory testing in Bhopal. According to the MP drug inspector, even though preliminary inspection of some bottles revealed no visible signs of any kind of insects, testing was essential to determine if there was contamination. Azithromycin oral suspension is commonly prescribed to children for infections, and the specific batch has been manufactured by a Madhya Pradesh-based pharmaceutical company. The alert comes even as there has been a huge outrage over the deaths of at least 24 children in the state due to suspected renal failure caused by the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup. The World Health Organisation has issued an alert against three "substandard" syrups identified in India - Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife. The WHO has alerted that tainted syrups pose a serious threat and may lead to severe, potentially life-threatening illness. The global body has requested all members to continue being highly vigilant and report immediately if they find any of the mentioned syrups in their domestic markets.

Why is it alarming?

According to experts, if worms are found in medicine, it means it has become contaminated and should be immediately discontinued. Contaminated medicines pose significant risks to patients – especially children and can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening illness, which include diarrhoea, vomiting, gastric infections, and even kidney failure.

How does azithromycin work?

Azithromycin is prescribed to children to treat various mild to moderate bacterial infections, which include those affecting the ears, nose, throat, and lungs. Doctors prescribe the dosage based on the child's weight and the specific infection being treated. A few approved pediatric uses include:

Acute otitis media

For children six months and older.

Acute bacterial sinusitis

For children six months and older.

Pneumonia

For children six months and older.

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis

As a second-line therapy for children two years and older, particularly if they are allergic to first-line treatments like penicillin.

Skin and soft tissue infections

To treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Mass drug administration

Used in certain communities to treat or control specific diseases, such as trachoma.