The government has implemented new rules regarding children's cold and flu medicines. Learn which medicines are banned and what precautions parents should take.
Cough syrup for children
With changing weather, illnesses often spread rapidly, and children are among the first to be affected. As colds and flu become common during this season , parents often give their children medicines they already have at home. But now they may be surprised to learn that doing so could prove dangerous. Keeping children's safety in mind, the central government has imposed new restrictions on the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride. This decision was taken to save children's lives, as there have been reports of many children's health deteriorating due to such drugs. Let's learn more about this new rule.
Which medicines are banned?
The government has completely banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all fixed-dose combination medicines containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride. These two ingredients are commonly used in medicines for colds, flu, and runny noses. Doctors say these cold and flu-like ingredients can pose a health risk to young children, and an expert committee believes that safer medicines are available on the market for children. Companies will now be required to clearly display warnings on the labels, packages, and promotional materials of these medicines to alert parents. This decision was not taken suddenly, but based on the recommendations of the expert committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
This isn't the first time the government has taken a strict stance on children's medicines. Previously, in October 2025, the Union Health Ministry banned the use of cough syrup for children under two years of age. This decision was taken after reports of 11 children dying from cough syrup consumption in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. At that time, the Health Ministry also stated that cough syrup should generally not be given to children under five years of age.
Important advice for parents
The Health Department has urged parents not to give young children any cold medicine or syrup without consulting a doctor. Children's bodies aren't as strong as adults, so strong-acting medications can have adverse effects on them. It's also important to note that most colds clear up on their own within one to two weeks, and children can recover normally without medication. Therefore, instead of panicking over a mild cold, it's best to consult a doctor.
