Centre advises against cough syrups for children under two

Tests in MP show no toxic contaminants; investigations continue into other possible causes

- MPOST BUREAU

The Centre has issued a nationwide advisory instructing all states and Union Territories to avoid prescribing cough and cold medications to children below two years of age. The guidance, released by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), comes in the wake of recent reports linking child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh to cough syrup consumption.

Dr Sunita Sharma of the DGHS, which functions under the Union Health Ministry, stated that “most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention. Non-pharmacological measures, including adequate hydration, rest, and supportive care, should be the first-line approach”

‘The advisory highlights that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under five years.