While cough syrups are intended for use, they are not safe if taken indiscriminately or frequently without medical advice. Many are not suited for paediatric consumption, and their misuse can cause complications.
Published Oct 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 11, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Parents often give cough syrups to children without consulting doctors. (iStock)
Synopsis: If a cough persists for more than two weeks, and is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty in breathing or high fever, parents should consult a paediatrician immediately. Only after proper evaluation should a cough syrup or any medication be prescribed. Parents must also look for clear labelling of paediatric dosage and age restrictions on cough syrup bottles.
In recent times, the number of children suffering from coughs and colds has increased at an alarming rate. More children are visiting hospitals with complaints about constant cough and respiratory discomfort.
These may be influenced by factors such as pollution, poor ventilation and erratic climate changes. For most parents, a cough syrup is the go-to choice of treatment when their children start coughing.
While cough syrups are intended for use, they are not safe if taken indiscriminately or frequently without medical advice. Many are not suited for paediatric consumption, and their misuse can cause complications.
Cough is a natural and protective reflex of the body that helps to clear mucus, dust, dirt and other irritants from the airways. Some amount of coughing is considered normal too. Coughs can sound scary, but not all coughs need to be treated with medicines. However, attention is needed if the cough is accompanied by sore or inflamed throat, stuffy nose, difficulty swallowing, fever and body pain.
Cough syrups are easier to administer to children because of their light sweet taste and easy availability. So parents reach for them to provide quick relief. However, what is often overlooked is the safety aspect, as many cough syrups are a mixture of multiple ingredients. Most over-the-counter cough syrups are not safe for children below four years. But since they provide relief, cough syrups find a place in medicine kits in most homes.
Cough syrups contain multiple compounds. Among them, dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant and may prove harmful for young children. It can cause drowsiness, induce vomiting or even breathing difficulties when taken in improper doses or when given to children below the recommended age. Similarly, first-generation antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine, are not recommended for children below two years due to risks of excessive sedation and potential respiratory suppression.
Parents are advised to check the ingredients of a bottle before purchasing a cough syrup. A few commonly sold cough syrups have been known to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol, which are toxic chemicals sometimes used as substitutes for pharmaceutical-grade glycerol. These contaminants can cause serious complications, especially in younger children.
Not all coughs require urgent treatment. Usually, most children who develop a common cold and cough due to viral infection or seasonal changes start feeling better in a few days with adequate home remedies and minimal medication. Supportive care, such as adequate hydration, warm fluids, saline nasal drops, and use of a humidifier, can often provide enough relief without the need for medicines.
If a cough persists for more than two weeks, and is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty in breathing or high fever, parents should consult a paediatrician immediately. Only after proper evaluation should a cough syrup or any medication be prescribed. Parents must also look for clear labelling of paediatric dosage and age restrictions on cough syrup bottles.
For mild viral coughs, doctors often recommend natural remedies such as warm water, honey (for children above one year) and rest. In some cases, nebulisation with saline may also help ease airway irritation, but only with the doctor’s advice. These methods are safe, effective and free from harmful additives.
The rising cases of cough among children reflect a broader public health concern linked to pollution and urban living. While cough syrups can be useful in specific situations, their indiscriminate use can be more harmful than beneficial, particularly for young children. Manufacturers must be accountable for product safety, and regulatory authorities must ensure that only approved, tested formulations reach the market.
Parents, as caregivers, have a responsibility to remember that a doctor’s advice is essential before giving any cough medicine to a child. With informed use, we can ensure that children receive only the safest and most effective care.
(The writer is Senior Consultant – Paediatric Pulmonology, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. Edited by Dese Gowda)
