What parents should know when giving cough syrup to kids, Pg18.

Key Highlights:

• At least five states have banned Coldrif cough syrup after it was linked to the deaths of at least 11 children in Madhya Pradesh.
• A Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai found Diethylene Glycol (48.6% w/w), a poisonous substance, in a sample of Coldrif cough syrup.
• The Rajasthan government banned cough syrup containing dextromethorphan after it was linked to the deaths of three children.
• Doctors advise against administering cough syrups to children under six years old, but contaminated syrups have raised concerns among parents.

Detailed Insights:

• Cough syrups with Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide are generally safe if medical protocols are followed, as it suppresses the cough reflex in the brain.
• There are two types of cough syrups: cough suppressants for dry coughs and decongestants for nasal congestion, but neither should be given to infants and toddlers.
• In India, cough syrups are available over-the-counter, leading to potential misuse; it is advised to only use them with a doctor's prescription.
• The correct dosage should always be determined by a paediatrician, typically 0.5 to 1 milligram per kg of body weight, up to three times a day, using the provided dosing spoon.
• Overdosing on cough syrup can cause sedation, drowsiness, increased heartbeat, nausea, and in adolescents, a 'drug high' and potential addiction.
• Parents should buy syrups from standard pharma companies, avoiding those that use diethylene glycol as a solvent, which is toxic and can cause kidney injury.
• Alternatives to cough syrups include dexamethasone (antihistamine), homemade remedies like steam and humidified air, and saline nasal drops for nasal congestion.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide: A cough suppressant that blocks the cough reflex in the brain.
• Diethylene Glycol: A toxic solvent sometimes used in cheap drug manufacturing, which can cause kidney injury.
• Decongestants: Medications that reduce nasal congestion and runny nose.