Debate rages over children’s cough syrup

By Elizabeth Mwai

The controversy over children’s cough syrup seems far from resolved.

Yesterday, pharmaceutical companies defended themselves against failing to inform the public over dangersof the medicine to infants below two years. Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (Kapi) and Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) said they had inserted cautionary messages in the packaging.

Kapi chairman Moses Mwangi said the reclassification of medicines to suit various ages was a normal process among pharmaceutical companies and they did not find it necessary to publicise the issue.

"No we have not failed Kenyans. Cough and cold mixtures are available in pharmacies. If we publicise every time we reclassify people will wonder what is wrong," said Dr Mwangi.

Speaking at a Press conference to shed light on the use of cough syrups, Mwangi noted that the problem was compounded by pharmacists’ failure to advice the public on the use of cough syrup.

Last week the Government admitted to knowing the dangers posed by the medicines two years ago, but failed to inform the public.

Mwangi announced the companies would change the advisories, to make them bolder. He explained that cough and cold medicines have neither been banned nor withdrawn from Kenya or other countries, including UK, USA and Canada.

Official position

"On the contrary. In these countries, some of these medicines are being reclassified to be supplied through pharmacies only and their labeling modified to ensure proper usage," he added.

Mwangi said they are calling for removal of the medicine from shop shelves in order to have them distributed only at pharmacies, where professionals can dispense advice.

PSK chairman Dominic Karanja said the official position was that cough syrups should not be used on children below two years.

Some top hospitals have banned the use of cough syrups for children below 12 years.