New Safety Warning: Popular Cold Medicines Not for Kids Below 4
What Happened
The Centre has restricted the manufacture, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combination (FDC) medicines containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride for children below four years of age. Manufacturers must now prominently state that these medicines should not be used in children under four, citing safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives. The decision follows recommendations from an expert committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
Key Takeaways
The move strengthens child medicine safety regulations and signals closer scrutiny of commonly used cough-and-cold combinations, with the government prioritizing safer treatment options for young children.