India Tightens Cough Medicine Rules for Children Under Four

The Government of India has added a new safety rule for some medicines used for coughs, colds and blocked noses.

These medicines contain chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Children younger than four must not use these combinations.

This does not mean that every cough syrup has been banned for young children.

The government says the combinations may be risky and that safer alternatives are available.

Parents should check the ingredients instead of relying only on a brand name.

Many coughs are caused by viruses and can get better without cough medicine.

A child with breathing trouble, high fever, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or dehydration should be seen by a doctor.

Parents should ask a qualified medical professional before giving cough or cold medicine.