The Indian health ministry, in an advisory to all states on Friday, said that cough syrups and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years of age.

The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu banned the sale of the “Coldrif” brand cough syrup following nine deaths recorded in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Local media reported that authorities have ordered the withdrawal of the brand’s cough syrup, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, from the market and imposed a state-wide ban on its sale.

Rajasthan has suspended its drug controller as a result of the deaths linked to cough syrup use and halted the distribution of medicines made by Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma company.

Madhya Pradesh, meanwhile has restricted the sale of “Coldrif” and “Nesto DS” cough syrups, the reports said.

Reports indicate that children developed kidney failure and other complications after consuming cough syrups containing diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol.

Scientists from the national centre for disease control, the national institute of virology, and the central drugs standard control organisation in Madhya Pradesh found no toxins in the samples tested, according to a report on India’s state broadcaster’s website.

The samples were collected in coordination with the state authorities and covered various brands, the report added.