The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new advisory on the safe use of cough syrups for children on Friday.

“In our continuous efforts to ensure rational drug use and patient safety in Paediatric care, this advisory reiterates the judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children. Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and often resolve without pharmacological intervention,” said the ministry said in its order issued on Friday.

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The ministry said most coughs in children go away on their own and do not need medicine. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 2 years, said the advisory.

For children over 5, medicines should only be given after careful evaluation by a doctor, following the right dose and f

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