Thiruvananthapuram: In a crucial advisory for parents and healthcare providers, the Kerala State Drugs Controller has issued a circular warning against administering cough syrups, including popular brands like Coldrif, to children under the age of two. The directive comes amid growing concerns over the safety and efficacy of these medications for infants and toddlers.
The circular explicitly advises that cough syrups should not be given to children below two years, and pharmacists are instructed not to dispense these medications without a valid doctor’s prescription. The advisory particularly highlights risks associated with multi-drug formulations commonly found in pediatric cough syrups, which may pose dangers due to overdosing or adverse reactions in young children.
According to officials from the Drugs Control Department, preliminary investigations revealed that certain batches of these syrups, including the SR3 batch of Coldrif, had not undergone required regulatory scrutiny in Kerala. As a precaution, the department has directed the suspension of sales for such batches and reinforced strict compliance with prescription requirements.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Kerala chapter, has supported the circular, emphasizing that parents and healthcare workers must exercise heightened caution when considering cough medications for infants. The IAP reiterates that common cold symptoms in children under two are better managed through non-pharmacological measures such as hydration, gentle nasal suction, and humidified air, rather than administering potentially harmful syrups.
This move signals a renewed effort by health authorities to safeguard vulnerable populations, prevent misuse of over-the-counter drugs, and ensure that pediatric treatments align with established safety standards.