Health authorities warning: Avoid popular cough syrup for children under 4

Thrissur: Authorities have issued a strong warning against giving cough syrup containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride to children under four years. This ban has been in effect for a year, but major manufacturers have recently complained about it.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) reviewed the situation and confirmed the ban. This particular combination is one of the best-selling drugs in India. Manufacturers requested that the ban be limited to combinations with specific quantities rather than a complete prohibition.

In addition to the DTAB, an expert committee also examined the manufacturers' complaints. After thorough discussion, they decided to uphold the ban and recommended that a warning label be printed on the medicine's packaging, clearly stating it should not be used by children under four. This warning will also be required in the information leaflet included with the product.