Kerala health department ordered that no medicine in the state should be given to children under the age of 12 years without a doctor's prescription.
The move comes after several deaths among children were reported in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after allegedly consuming certain cough syrups. Fourteen children recently died in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, from suspected renal failure linked to the consumption of a 'toxic' cough syrup.
"Directions have been issued to the Drugs Controller in this regard, and awareness efforts will also be strengthened. Since medicines for children are prescribed according to their body weight, a medicine given to one child must not be given to another. Doing so could cause more harm than benefit," said Health Minister Veena George after a high-level meeting.
It has also been ordered that medicines should not be dispensed, even if using an old prescription.
Following issues with the recent alleged cough syrup deaths, several states banned the use and sale of 'Coldrif' after the cough syrup was found to be allegedly adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic substance.
Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh issued orders banning the sale and distribution of 'Coldrif' syrup.
All drug inspectors and assistant directors have been instructed to immediately alert retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to "freeze" any stocks of the product batch if available in the market.