Hyderabad: The Telangana government has banned two more cough syrups Relief and Respi Fresh-TR following contamination concerns, marking a significant move to safeguard children’s health.
This decision comes shortly after the Drug Control Administration (DCA) had already prohibited the sale of Cold Rif syrup in the state. The DCA found evidence of adulteration in the newly banned syrups and issued immediate orders to halt their distribution and sale.
DCA acts on cough syrup adulteration
The ban on Relief and Respi Fresh-TR comes in the wake of lab test results that confirmed the presence of harmful substances. Officials said the syrups posed potential health risks, especially to children, and urged all medical shops and distributors to comply with the ban.
Public health warning on cough medicine
Meanwhile, the Telangana Health Department reiterated its earlier advisory on cough syrup usage, particularly in children. The department warned that over-the-counter use of such syrups, especially without proper consultation, could be life-threatening.
Key recommendations include:
– Avoid cough syrups entirely for children under 2 years
– Administer them only in emergencies for kids under 5 years
– Prefer natural and symptomatic treatments for cold and cough
Parents were urged to consult pediatricians before giving any medicine and to treat minor cough and cold symptoms with home-based care unless symptoms persist.
