ArdorComm Media News Network
October 7, 2025
The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Kerala chapter, has issued a strong advisory urging parents to avoid self-medicating children and instead seek professional paediatric consultation for managing common illnesses like cough and cold. The academy has also called on healthcare providers to follow rational prescription practices to ensure safe and effective treatment for young patients.
The guidance follows a recent directive from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), which prohibits the prescription of cough syrups for children under two years of age.
“The DCGI’s directive is a reminder to ensure rational use of medicines, especially in infants and young children,” said Dr. I. Riaz, President of IAP Kerala. “Parents should resist the urge to purchase over-the-counter cough syrups or reuse old prescriptions. For persistent cough, consulting a paediatrician for proper diagnosis and dosage is essential.”
The IAP Kerala further advised that combination cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children below two years, and their use in older children should only follow thorough medical evaluation and careful supervision.
Dr. Riaz explained that cough is often a symptom of underlying issues such as asthma, allergies, dehydration, or post-nasal drip. Most cases of acute cough in children are self-limiting and resolve without medication. For children above six months, paediatricians may prescribe antihistamines or bronchodilators when clinically necessary, using correct doses and minimal duration.
When treating asthma or wheezing-related cough, bronchodilators are best administered through a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) with spacer, a method both safe and effective for children.
The academy emphasized non-drug measures—like adequate hydration, rest, saline nasal drops, and supportive care—as the first line of treatment for most childhood coughs.
“All coughs are not the same, and parents must avoid repeating old prescriptions,” Dr. Riaz cautioned. “Medication type, dosage, and duration should always be adjusted as a child grows.”
Source: The Hindu