WHO alarm on cough syrups: are they good or bad for children?

The row over an Indian cough syrup firm's possible involvement in the death of 66 Gamibian student due to alleged consumption of substandard syrups has caused stir in India.

Its primary reason is the alarm bells raised by World Health Organisation that warned that the four contaminated cough syrups- namely Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup, were allegedly produced by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Secondly, it also raises questions over the consumption of cough syrup by children, especially those below 2 years.

The 66 Gamibian children who reportedly died following acute kidney failure aged between 5 months to 4 years.

SO, ARE COUGH SYRUPS SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

The scientific use of cough syrup generally does not recommend its use for children below 2 years. In fact, the most common cough syrups have the disclaimer that they are not meant for kids under 4 years.

Experts suggest that cough syrups, especially Over-The-Counter (OTC) ones should not be consumed by the under 2 category kids as it can have serious implications including hospitalisations.

An Indian Express reported quoting a private Paediatrician stated that the cough syrups can have mild to serious side effects. Among the most common symptoms are sleepiness, restlessness, electrolyte imbalance.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN ABOVE 2 AND ADULTS?

For children above 2 years and in fact, adults, the use of cough syrups has been prescribed for bare-minimum use.

Contrary to under 2 kids, older children or those above 2 years are recommended to use cough syrups judiciously. Experts point that the syrups are relatively safer if given in correct doses. The 'safe to consume' quotient is determined by formulation of a cough syrup.

While for adults, OTC cough syrup consumption is likely to result in side-effects. Given the presence of anti-histamines, an anti-allergy drug, the syrups tend to be addictive. This can cause dizziness or sleepiness among those above 18 years.

Also watch: Medicine board launches probe after WHO alert on cough syrups