India Tightens Cough Syrup Rules After Child Deaths
Authorities have tightened regulations around cough syrups following two child deaths in Rajasthan. The syrup involved does not contain Propylene Glycol and is not approved for pediatric use.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory, urging healthcare professionals to prescribe cough syrups only when necessary. They should ensure judicious and rational prescribing and dispensing. Multiple drug combinations should be avoided, and short-term, appropriate dosing should be followed.
Healthcare facilities and pharmacies must guarantee all products are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices and use only pharmaceutical-grade excipients. A nationwide sensitisation of prescribers and dispensers is underway to implement these new guidelines.
Initial investigations in Madhya Pradesh found no contamination of cough syrups with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG). Non-drug treatments such as hydration and rest are encouraged as the first line of response for acute cough illnesses in children.
The Union government has barred the prescription of cough and cold medications for children under the age of two. Cough syrups are generally discouraged for children under five and should only be used in older children after thorough clinical evaluation and under strict supervision.
