Telangana DPH urges rational use of cough syrups in kids following DGHS alert

Telangana’s Directorate of Public Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory urging the rational use of cough syrups in kids, according to instructions from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The transfer comes within the wake of studies of kid deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to the consumption of cough syrups.

DCA’s public alert

A number of days in the past, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued a public alert urging folks to cease utilizing Coldrif Syrup, batch no. SR-13, manufactured by Sresan Pharma, Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, because it has been reportedly adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a poisonous substance. The affected batch bears manufacturing date of May 2025 and expiry date of April 2027.

Toll-free quantity to report

The Directorate of Public Health, by means of a recent advisory — quoting DGHS — dated October 5, suggested residents in possession of the syrup to report it to the native drug management authorities immediately by means of the toll-free quantity 1800-599-6969.

The advisory additionally highlights the necessity for rational drug use and affected person security in paediatric care. It acknowledged that almost all acute cough sicknesses in kids are self-limiting and infrequently resolve with out pharmacological intervention.

It directed that cough and chilly medicines shouldn’t be prescribed or allotted to kids under two years of age. Such medicines are usually not advisable for these below 5 years, and for older kids, they need to be used solely after cautious scientific analysis, shut supervision, and adherence to correct dosage for the shortest efficient length. The advisory additionally cautioned towards the usage of a number of drug combos and suggested that the general public be sensitised to comply with medical doctors’ prescriptions strictly.

Non-pharmacological approaches for cough and chilly in kids

Highlighting non-pharmacological approaches, the advisory suggested ample hydration, relaxation, and different supportive measures as the primary line of administration for cough and chilly in kids. It additional directed all healthcare amenities and scientific institutions to make sure the procurement and allotting of medicines manufactured below Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients. Prescribers and dispensers in each private and non-private sectors should be sensitised to uphold these requirements of care.

All District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) have been instructed to implement and disseminate the advisory throughout authorities and personal healthcare institutions.