New Delhi/Bengaluru: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a fresh advisory on the rational use of cough syrups in children, stressing that most acute cough and cold illnesses in paediatric cases are self-limiting and do not require pharmacological intervention.
According to the circular, cough syrups and cold medications must not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years of age. For children below five, such medicines should be given only after careful clinical evaluation, strict adherence to dosage, minimal effective duration, and avoiding multiple drug combinations. The government also emphasised the need to sensitise parents and the public about rational prescription practices.
The advisory further recommends that non-pharmacological measures such as hydration, adequate rest, and supportive care should be the first-line approach in treating cough-related illnesses in children.
Additionally, the government has directed all state and union territory health departments, district health authorities, and clinical establishments to ensure that only products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with pharmaceutical-grade excipients are procured and dispensed. Both public and private healthcare providers have been instructed to adhere strictly to these standards.
The Health Ministry has also urged all states and UTs to implement and disseminate this advisory across PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, and medical institutions to ensure compliance and safeguard child health.
The advisory, signed by Dr. Sunita Sharma, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), highlights the Centre’s commitment to patient safety, paediatric care, and rational drug use.
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