Health Department release guidelines on using cough syrups for children

BENGALURU: The Health Department has released guidelines for the use of cough syrups among children. The guidelines advise against giving cough syrups to children under 2-years-old and recommend that children between 2-5 years old should only be given medication under the guidance of a doctor.

For children above 5 years old, medication should be given according to a doctor’s advice.

Other recommendations:

– Using the minimum effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
– Avoiding multi-medication cough syrups.
– Not purchasing or using cough syrups without doctor’s prescription.
– Not reusing previously used medications.
– Consulting a doctor if symptoms worsen.
– Checking the expiry date and reading labels carefully.

For  children:

1. Do not give cough syrups to children under one year old.
2. For children between 2-5 years old, give medication only under the guidance of a doctor after a proper medical examination.For older children:
1. Take cough syrups only under a doctor’s advice.
2. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
3. Avoid using cough syrups with multiple medication combinations.

Additionally, the guidelines suggest safe home remedies such as providing plenty of fluids, ensuring adequate rest and sleep and nutritious food. The Health Department also advises parents to seek medical attention immediately if their child shows symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent cough, high fever, or unusual behaviour.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has reported that two cough syrups, manufactured by LV Life Science in Himachal Pradesh and Ethidrus Research Laboratory in Puducherry, failed quality standards.

The syrups, used to relieve coughs and respiratory issues, did not meet the required standards. Report says C&CLS syrup, CSL 129 batch did not meet prescribed standards. These should be withdrawn and inspected at manufacturing units. State drug regulatory authorities should take action against manufacturers.

The State Drug Quality Control Department has sent 350 cough syrup samples for testing, collected from government hospitals, medical shops, private hospitals, and clinics across the state. The department is taking proactive measures to ensure the quality and safety of available cough syrups. Although the syrup linked to deaths in Rajasthan hasn’t been supplied in Karnataka, the department is still conducting lab tests on locally available cough syrups as a precautionary measure. The test results are expected within 2-3 days.