Use cough syrups in Children hospitals rationally: Union Health Ministry

New Delhi, Oct 3: The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in the paediatric population, cautioning against their use in children under two years of age.
According to the advisory, “Most acute cough-related illnesses in children are self-limiting and tend to resolve without medication. It emphasizes that cough and cold syrups should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years. For children under five years, their use is generally not recommended, and for older children, administration should be based only on clinical evaluation under strict medical supervision.”
The Health Ministry has stressed that, where required, cough syrups should be prescribed in the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration possible, while avoiding multiple drug combinations.
Instead, the advisory recommends non-pharmacological measures—such as adequate hydration, rest, and supportive care—as the first line of treatment.
“All healthcare facilities and clinical establishments must ensure procurement and dispensing of cough syrup products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients,” the advisory stated. It also directed state and district health authorities to sensitize doctors, pharmacists, and dispensers—both in public and private sectors—on rational prescribing practices.
Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) called for its immediate implementation and dissemination across government dispensaries, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), district hospitals, and medical institutions across the country.
The move comes amid growing concerns worldwide about the misuse of paediatric cough syrups and potential adverse effects, especially in very young children. (KNO)