The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new advisory on the safe use of cough syrups for children on Friday.
“In our continuous efforts to ensure rational drug use and patient safety in Paediatric care, this advisory reiterates the judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children. Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention,” said the ministry said in its order issued on Friday.
The ministry said most coughs in children go away on their own and do not need medicine. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 2 years, said the advisory.
For children over 5, medicines should only be given after careful evaluation by a doctor, following the right dose and for the shortest time. Using many medicines together should be avoided, the advisory read.
Simple measures like rest, drinking enough water, and other home care should be the first step. The advisory also said all hospitals and clinics must use medicines made under proper safety standards.
State and local health authorities are asked to share this advisory widely in hospitals, clinics, and health centres to keep children safe.
“It is requested that all State/UT Health Departments, District Health Authorities, and all Clinical Establishments/healthcare facilities under your jurisdiction should implement and disseminate this advisory across government dispensaries, PHCS, CHCS, district hospitals, and medical institutions,” the statement added.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also said a joint team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), NIV (National Institute of Virology), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and state authorities investigated recent child deaths in Madhya Pradesh allegedly linked to cough syrups.
Laboratory tests confirmed that none of the syrup samples contained harmful contaminants, Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG). Blood and CSF samples found one case positive for Leptospirosis.
Regarding the death of two children in Rajasthan, the ministry clarified that the syrup involved does not contain Propylene Glycol or other contaminants, and being a dextromethorphan-based formulation, it is not recommended for pediatric use.