📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Health
Health Ministry bans sale of common cold medicines to children under four
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 11:37 PM
👁 4
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued new guidelines prohibiting the distribution of certain over‑the‑counter cold medicines for children below four years of age.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced today that it will restrict the sale and use of key cold medicines for children under four, citing safety concerns for this vulnerable age group.
Under the new directive, pharmacies, retail outlets and online platforms are required to stop dispensing these products to children below four years and to display clear warning labels indicating the age restriction.
Parents are advised to consult pediatricians before giving any cold remedy to young children, and the ministry said it will monitor compliance through routine inspections.
The decision aligns with international health recommendations that caution against potential side effects such as respiratory distress in toddlers when certain decongestants are used.
The ministry expects immediate adherence to the guidelines and has urged healthcare providers to educate caregivers about safer alternatives for managing cold symptoms in young children.
Under the new directive, pharmacies, retail outlets and online platforms are required to stop dispensing these products to children below four years and to display clear warning labels indicating the age restriction.
Parents are advised to consult pediatricians before giving any cold remedy to young children, and the ministry said it will monitor compliance through routine inspections.
The decision aligns with international health recommendations that caution against potential side effects such as respiratory distress in toddlers when certain decongestants are used.
The ministry expects immediate adherence to the guidelines and has urged healthcare providers to educate caregivers about safer alternatives for managing cold symptoms in young children.