IAP Kerala Urges Caution on Cough Syrup Use in Young Children Following DGHS Advisory

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Kerala Chapter, led by President Dr. I Rias and Secretary Dr. R Gopimohan, has urged parents and healthcare providers to exercise caution in the use of cough syrups in children, following a recent advisory from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The advisory highlights that most acute cough illnesses in children under two years are self-limiting and resolve without medication, making routine use of cough syrups in this age group unnecessary and potentially unsafe.

According to the DGHS guidance, combination cough syrups and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two, and their use in older children should be limited to carefully evaluated cases, with accurate dosing, the shortest effective duration, and avoidance of irrational drug combinations.

In young children bronchodilators may be prescribed for cough caused by bronchoconstriction, such as in asthma or wheezing disorders, preferably administered via inhalers with a spacer, while specific antihistamines may be considered in children above six months for specific conditions such as allergic rhinitis.

Dr. I Rias and Dr. R Gopimohan emphasised that non-pharmacological measures remain the first line of treatment for most childhood coughs. Supportive care including adequate hydration, rest, saline nasal drops, and gentle humidifiers can provide relief. Parents are strongly advised not to self- medicate and to seek professional pediatric consultation for safe and effective management.

They reiterated that strict adherence to these guidelines is essential to prevent misuse of medications and ensure safer, evidence-based care for children.