New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory against prescribing or administering cough syrups for cold and cough symptoms among children younger than 2 years old, after the death of nineteen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan caused by the two contaminated cough syrups.

The alert points to increasing concerns with the inappropriate use and safety of these drugs in infants and young children. The health risks are severe - from toxicity to respiratory depression, said experts who note that for this age group there is scant evidence of benefit and intractable risk. The Ministry has asked states to maintain sharp vigil and safe medical practices for young babies.

"Cough syrups are not safe for infants and can...