Cough Syrup Labels Should Exclude Infant Images, carry Under 4 Warning: Govt Panel

New Delhi: The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has agreed that cough syrup labels should prominently display a warning in red against their use in children below four years of age.

In addition, the committee also recommended excluding pictures of infants, toddlers, toys or similar depictions that could suggest suitability for young children.

The recommendations followed deliberations on concerns over the widespread prescribing of cough syrups to infants and young children despite an advisory issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

During the discussion, the committee considered a proposal to prescribe a statutory warning under Rule 96 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. It agreed in principle that cough syrup labels should carry the following warning:

“WARNING: Cough syrup shall not be used in children below 4 years of age.”

The DCC further recommended that the warning appear prominently in an appropriately increased font size.

It also observed that images of infants, toddlers, toys, or similar depictions should not appear on such labels, as they could create confusion about the use of these medicines in small children.

The committee recommended initiating the necessary action to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, accordingly.

The recommendation stated,

"The Committee further opined that pictures of infants, toddlers, toys or similar depictions which may suggest use in small children should not appear on such labels to avoid any confusion. Further, the warning should be displayed prominently in an appropriately increased font size. Necessary action for amendment of the Drugs Rules, 1945 may be initiated accordingly."