New Delhi: The central government has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, directing them not to administer cough and cold medicines to children below two years of age.
The advisory, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), follows reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh allegedly linked to adulterated cough syrup.
The Union Health Ministry said that tests on syrup samples from Madhya Pradesh did not detect diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), substances known to cause serious kidney damage.
The DGHS reiterated that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under five and should be used with caution and proper supervision in elderly patients.
