The Health Department has issued comprehensive new technical guidelines on managing coughs in children, focusing on the safe and appropriate use of cough medicines.
These new directives come in the wake of alarming incidents in other states where cough medications led to fatalities in young children. They also align with the central government’s mandate that cough medicines should not be prescribed for children under two years old.
Developed for medical professionals, healthcare workers, pharmacists, and the public, these extensive guidelines are based on a report from a three-member committee. This committee was specifically tasked by the Health Department to investigate current practices in treating cough and cold illnesses in children.
Key Guidelines for Safe Cough Treatment
The technical guidelines are clear: parents and caregivers must never self-medicate children. All medications for children require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, carefully tailored to the child’s age and weight.
It’s crucial that drug dosages are never increased without medical consultation. Misusing certain medicines can lead to severe health complications, a critical warning highlighted in the new directives.
Furthermore, all cough syrups provided through public health centers must meet stringent manufacturing standards, guaranteeing they are free from dangerous contaminants like Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG).
The guidelines explicitly state that cough syrups are not to be administered to children under two years old. Should such medication be absolutely necessary, it must follow a thorough medical evaluation.
Even for children between two and five years of age, cough syrups should typically be avoided. If their use is deemed essential, it requires a comprehensive clinical assessment and continuous special monitoring.
For children over five, cough syrups may be considered, but only after a specific medical evaluation, and they should be used in small doses for a brief period.
Important Directives for Pharmacists and the Public
Pharmacists are mandated to rigorously adhere to the Drugs Controller’s directives, exercising extreme caution when dispensing children’s medications. They must verify that all medicines are well within their expiry dates and sourced exclusively from quality-certified manufacturers.
The general public is strongly advised against self-medicating children. Avoid asking pharmacists for specific cough syrups or formulations without a prescription. Children’s cough medicines should only be used if prescribed by a pediatrician and strictly according to their instructions.
Never use old prescriptions or leftover medications. Furthermore, medicine prescribed for one child should never be given to another without first consulting a pediatrician.
Parents and guardians should seek immediate medical attention if a child with a cough develops concerning symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, spitting blood, extreme fatigue, seizures, bluish skin (cyanosis), or changes in consciousness. Always ensure that doctor-prescribed medicines are given precisely as directed, both in dose and duration.