The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Nagaland state branch, has urged parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to exercise caution in the use of cough and cold syrups in children, following the recent advisory issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India. The advisory highlights that most cough and cold illnesses in young children are mild, self-limiting, and usually resolve on their own without the need for medication.

In a statement issued by Dr. Akumtoshi, President of IAP Nagaland, the Academy emphasized that combination cough and cold syrups should not be used in children below two years of age. Parents were strongly advised against giving such medicines without medical consultation, as these formulations could carry risks if used indiscriminately. According to the advisory, medicines for cough in children should only be prescribed after proper clinical evaluation and with strict adherence to the recommended dosage by pediatricians.

For children suffering from bronchospasm, asthma, or wheezing disorders, bronchodilators such as salbutamol or levosalbutamol may be administered, but preferably through inhalation and always under medical supervision. Similarly, mucolytics and expectorants like ambroxol, bromhexine, or acetylcysteine may be considered in selected cases with thick sputum, though their routine or unsupervised use, particularly in infants and toddlers, is not recommended.

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The statement further clarified that antihistamines may be cautiously used in children above six months of age, but only for specific conditions such as allergic rhinitis. These medicines, however, should not be routinely administered for ordinary coughs or colds.

The IAP underscored that non-drug approaches remain the safest and most effective line of management for most cough and cold illnesses in children. Measures such as maintaining adequate hydration, ensuring proper rest, using saline nasal drops, and providing supportive home care are remain the safest and most effective first-line approaches for managing most childhood coughs and colds.

Parents have been reminded to avoid giving over-the-counter cough syrups without medial consultation. The Academy urged to seek proper pediatric advice for safe and effective treatment.

IAP urges all healthcare providers and parents to follow rational and evidence-based practices to ensure the safety and well-being of children.