Pediatricians in Hyderabad are urging parents to stop using over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups for small children following the nationwide toxic syrup scandal.
Glimpse:
Amid mounting child fatalities linked to contaminated cough syrups, Hyderabad’s pediatric community has issued a safety alert. They warn that self-medication with cough and cold syrups in children especially under age four can be dangerous. The state’s drug authorities are already banning suspect brands and implementing stricter testing protocols.
Following reports of multiple child deaths due to tainted cough syrups, pediatricians in Hyderabad have warned against the use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines especially in young children. They emphasize that many such syrups contain combination formulations not recommended for children under four years.
Doctors advise that treatment should focus on addressing underlying causes (allergy, mucus, cold symptoms) rather than blindly using suppressants. Repeated or incorrect dosing could provoke severe side effects like bronchospasm or even kidney damage in sensitive cases.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has already banned two suspect syrups ReLife and Respifresh after lab alerts about diethylene glycol (DEG) contamination. Clinicians recommend switching to safer alternatives, using non-drug remedies (steam inhalation, hydration, nasal drops), and ensuring any medicine is prescribed by a qualified physician.
“Self-medication may seem easy, but in children it can cross invisible danger thresholds.”
By
HB Team
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