Following reports linking nine child deaths in Madhya Pradesh to cough syrup consumption, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory on the rational use of cough syrups in children.
The advisory states that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years of age and urges the public to strictly follow doctors’ prescriptions.
“Cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under 2 years. These are generally not recommended for ages below 5 years and above that, any use should follow careful clinical evaluation with close supervision and strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration and avoiding multiple drugs combinations. Further, the public may also be sensitized regarding adherence to prescription by the Doctors,” Directorate General of Health Services said in the advisory.
DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) issues advisory on rational use of cough syrups in paediatric population “Cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under 2 years. These are generally not recommended for ages below 5 years and… pic.twitter.com/gqQ94VJIqx — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that recent tests on cough syrup samples in Madhya Pradesh found no toxic contaminants, following reports of child deaths linked to syrup consumption.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “In view of the recent reports suggesting that child deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to consumption of cough syrups, a joint team consisting of representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), etc visited the site. Various samples were collected in coordination with the State Authorities including samples of various cough syrups. As per the test results, none of the samples contained Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. “
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare says, “In view of the recent reports suggesting that child deaths in Madhya Pradesh were linked to consumption of cough syrups, a joint team consisting of representatives from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of… pic.twitter.com/9B9GevS4ZO — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025
Regarding the two child deaths in Rajasthan, the ministry stated that the samples did not contain Propylene Glycol, a potential source of contaminants such as DEG or EG. However, it noted that the products were dextromethorphan-based formulations, which are not recommended for use in children.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare says, “Samples of water, entomological vectors, and respiratory specimens are under further investigation by NEERI, NIV Pune, and other laboratories. A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur, and state health authorities is investigating all possible causes behind the reported cases. As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question does not contain Propylene Glycol, which can be potential source of contaminants, DEG/EG. Additionally, the product under reference is a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use.”