Dengue outbreak: Botanical pill maker Micro Labs to launch syrup for children

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Last week we reported about a botanical pill 'Caripill' that helps to increase the platelet count in dengue patients.

Now, the maker of the herbal extract-based drug, Micro labs - a Bengaluru-based pharmaceutical firm - is planning to launch a syrup for children.

The firm claims that Caripill, which is made of papaya leaf extracts, will not have any side effects, adding that it can be used by any person with over 18 years of age, but only under medical supervision.

“In two weeks, a syrup from the same extract will be launched and it can be consumed by children,” Prabhu Kasture, senior medical advisor at the company, was quoted as saying to Business Standard.

Micro Labs said that Caripill was tested on 250 patients and none of them needed platelet transfussion.

Caripill costs Rs 25 per tablet with the dosage of administering one pill (1100 mg) three times a day, for five days. The drug has been made available in all major pharmacies across India

The company, which began marketing the drug in July, also saw a massive rise in sales.

Micro Labs is currently working towards getting clearance from authorities in Indonesia and Malaysia to export the drug.

The national capital of Delhi is grappling its worst dengue outbreak in recent years with the vector-borne disease claiming 28 lives so far.

Till now, dengue fever has affected close to 4,000 people in the national capital.