Diabetes Med Given to Kids Instead of Fever Reducer

A critical medication error occurred in Surat, Gujarat, where children were allegedly given Glimepiride, a diabetes medication, instead of paracetamol after vaccinations during a Mamta Diwas program. State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya confirmed the incident, stating that five children suffered adverse effects and were admitted to a specialized pediatric hospital. Four children have since been discharged, and one remains stable. The nurse involved has been suspended, and two doctors issued show-cause notices pending an inquiry. Experts emphasize that Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea, stimulates insulin release and can cause severe, prolonged hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals, leading to symptoms like sweating, trembling, confusion, and in extreme cases, seizures or brain injury. Dr. Amit Saraf and Dr. Rajiv Kovil highlighted the need for immediate medical evaluation and continuous monitoring for children who accidentally receive such medication, stressing that symptoms may not be immediate but can recur. Both experts underscored the importance of stringent safety checks in medication dispensing, particularly in pediatric vaccination programs, to prevent future occurrences.