India Prohibits Anti-Cold Medication For Kids Under 4 Due to Alleged Syrup Deaths

Following the deaths of at least 141 children worldwide connected to cough syrups, the medicines regulator in India has prohibited the use of an anti-cold medication combination in children under the age of four and mandated that medications be labeled appropriately. The regulatory body stated that worries expressed regarding the promotion of an unapproved anti-cold medication mixture in infants led to a conversation and the eventual suggestion not to use the combination for that age range. The decision was made in response to a wave of kid fatalities that officials have connected to the nation’s deadly cough syrups since 2019. Since the middle of last year, at least 141 deaths have occurred in the Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon.

As a result of ingesting cough syrup produced domestically in India, officials reported that at least 12 children perished and four more suffered grave disabilities in 2019. Because of its abundant supply of inexpensive, life-saving medications, India is frequently referred to as the “world’s pharmacy.” As per the public order on Wednesday, drug manufacturers are required to mark their goods with a warning stating that the fixed-drug combination (FDC) should not be used in children under 4 years of age. This order was issued by the regulator on December 18. Phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine maleate, which are commonly found in syrups and tablets for treating common cold symptoms, make up the fixed drug combination. When it comes to treating coughs and cold symptoms in children under five years old, the World Health Organization does not advise using over-the-counter cough syrups or medications. Since June, authorities in this country have made testing for cough syrup exports mandatory and increased their investigation of pharmaceutical companies.