'Not recommended for below 5': Centre issues advisory on cough syrups for children amid deaths

The Centre has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories on the safe use of cough syrups in children. The Union Health Ministry has advised that cough and cold medicines should not be prescribed or given to children under two years.

For children under five, these medicines are generally not recommended, and for older children, their use should follow careful clinical evaluation, proper dosing, and avoidance of multiple drug combinations.

In its circular, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) noted that most acute coughs in children “are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention.”

“This advisory reiterates the judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children,” the DGHS said. “Cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years. They are generally not recommended for children below five, and for older children, any use should follow careful clinical evaluation with close supervision, strict adherence to proper dosing, the shortest effective duration, and avoidance of multiple drug combinations. The public should also be sensitised to the importance of following doctors’ prescriptions,” the circular added.

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Advisory aims to prevent unnecessary medication

The Ministry has written to the Directors of Health Services in all States and UTs, noting that most acute coughs in children are self-limiting and often resolve without medication.

State and UT health departments, district health authorities, and clinical establishments have been asked to implement the advisory and spread it across government dispensaries, hospitals, and medical institutions.

Testing shows no toxic contaminants in MP cough syrups

Following reports linking child deaths in Madhya Pradesh to cough syrup consumption, a joint team from the National Centre for Disease Control, National Institute of Virology, and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation visited the area.

Samples of various cough syrups were collected and tested. Results showed no presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), toxic substances that can cause severe kidney damage.

The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG or EG.

Regarding two child deaths in Rajasthan linked to cough syrup, the Ministry clarified that the product did not contain Propylene Glycol, which can be a source of DEG or EG contamination.

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Advisory follows reports of child deaths

The advisory comes after reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan following the consumption of cough syrups. The Health Ministry reiterated that children under two should not be given cough and cold medicines.