Non-pharmacological interventions, such as hydration, for cough and cold in children, were mentioned in an advisory issued by Telangana’s Director of Public Health. The image is used for representative purposes only.
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Telangana’s Directorate of Public Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory urging the rational use of cough syrups in children, in line with directions from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The move comes in the wake of reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to the consumption of cough syrups.
DCA’s public alert
A few days ago, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued a public alert urging people to stop using Coldrif Syrup, batch no. SR-13, manufactured by Sresan Pharma, Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, as it has been reportedly adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance. The affected batch bears manufacturing date of May 2025 and expiry date of April 2027.
Toll-free number to report
The Directorate of Public Health, through a fresh advisory — quoting DGHS — dated October 5, advised citizens in possession of the syrup to report it to the local drug control authorities without delay through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969.
The advisory also highlights the need for rational drug use and patient safety in paediatric care. It stated that most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention.
It directed that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years of age. Such medications are generally not recommended for those under five years, and for older children, they should be used only after careful clinical evaluation, close supervision, and adherence to proper dosage for the shortest effective duration. The advisory also cautioned against the use of multiple drug combinations and advised that the public be sensitised to follow doctors’ prescriptions strictly.
Non-pharmacological approaches for cough and cold in children
Highlighting non-pharmacological approaches, the advisory advised adequate hydration, rest, and other supportive measures as the first line of management for cough and cold in children. It further directed all healthcare facilities and clinical establishments to ensure the procurement and dispensing of medicines manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients. Prescribers and dispensers in both public and private sectors must be sensitised to uphold these standards of care.
All District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) have been instructed to implement and disseminate the advisory across government and private healthcare establishments.
Published – October 06, 2025 12:32 pm IST
