# India to add red warning labels to cough syrup bottles

> New rules would ban use in children under four and require pictorial labels showing older kids.
- Title: India to add red warning labels to cough syrup bottles
- Summary: New rules would ban use in children under four and require pictorial labels showing older kids. India's drug regulator is proposing mandatory red warning…
- Keywords: india, cough syrup, warning labels, drug regulator, children under four, central drugs standard control organisat, cdsco, directorate general of health services, dghs, paediatric care, labelling requirements, drugs consultative committee
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/cough-syrup-bottles-may-soon-carry-a-warning-label-in-red/articleshow/134342947.cms
- Author: Teena Thacker
- Published: 2026-09-18T18:59:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, cough syrup, warning labels, drug regulator, children under four, central drugs standard control organisat, cdsco, directorate general of health services, dghs, paediatric care, labelling requirements, drugs consultative committee
## Red warning labels proposed
India's drug regulator wants mandatory red labels on cough syrups warning against use in children below four years of age.
## Picture labels for clarity
The proposal includes pictorial depictions of school-age children on bottles to show the medicine is for older kids, not infants or toddlers.
## Advisory already issued last year
A health services advisory in October 2025 already warned against prescribing cough and cold medicines to children below two years of age.
## Doctors still prescribing to infants
Despite the advisory, complaints show doctors continue prescribing cough syrups to infants below two years old.

> The practice has continued even after the DGHS issued specific directions against it in October 2025
## Committee reviewing the issue
A technical committee discussed the matter in April 2026 and recommended stakeholder consultation on labelling changes.
## Widespread use drives concern
Cough syrups are among the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medicines in India, raising long-standing safety concerns for young children.
## Key takeaway

India's drug regulator is proposing mandatory red warning labels on cough syrups to prevent their use in children under four years old.