Thu Oct 09 14:51:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, aiming for a concise and informative style:

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**The Hindu: India Issues Stricter Guidelines for Children’s Cough Medicine After Tragic Incidents**

**Thiruvananthapuram, October 9, 2025** – In response to recent incidents of child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups, the Indian Health Department has released new, stringent guidelines governing the treatment of coughs in children and the rational use of cough medicines. The comprehensive guidelines, targeted at doctors, healthcare workers, pharmacists, and the public, were developed following a report by a specially appointed committee.

The guidelines strongly discourage self-medication of children, emphasizing that all medications must be prescribed by registered medical practitioners based on a child’s age and weight. They also specifically prohibit the use of cough syrups in children under two years of age, and advise caution for children aged 2-5, only recommending them after clinical evaluation and monitoring. For older children, any use of cough syrup should be after careful evaluation.

Pharmacists are directed to adhere strictly to regulations issued by the Drugs Controller, ensuring medicines are not expired, and are sourced from certified manufacturers, emphasizing the dangers of medicines contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). The general public is advised to avoid requesting specific cough formulations and to always consult a pediatrician for prescriptions, avoiding the use of old prescriptions or sharing medications.

The Health Department is urging parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if a child with a cough develops alarming symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, bloody sputum, extreme fatigue, seizures, cyanosis, or altered consciousness.

The new guidelines aim to prevent future tragedies by ensuring the safe and responsible use of cough medicines for children across India.

**About The Hindu:**

*The Hindu* is a leading Indian newspaper providing news and analysis on a wide range of topics, including world affairs, cinema, technology, science, data, health, and books. For more information, visit [hypothetical website address].

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