Cough medicines are medicines used to relieve cough and related conditions. They are widely available worldwide at supermarkets and pharmacies due to their safety profile over many decades. The western world is currently moving them from supermarkets to pharmacies. In Kenya, they have always been Pharmacy only medicines. In procurement of medicines, the VEN classification is usually used (V-Vital, E- Essential and N- Non-Essential). Due to limited resources, the public sector procures mostly essential medicines. Cough medicines are not classified as essential medicines hence the reason why they are not available in public supply chain. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes to state that these medicines are neither being recalled, withdrawn nor banned from the market because there is no sufficient evidence to do so but they are not to be used in children below 2 years. For children below 6years, it is not recommended but can only be used under prescription only.

The PPB would like to state the following:

1. The information portrayed in recent media reports did not represent the true position on coughs and cold medicines in Kenya and worldwide.
2. Coughs and colds occur frequently in children and will usually get better by themselves, however, cough and cold medicines provide symptomatic relief.
3. The PPB advises parents and care givers to always consult their health care providers for use of cough and cold medicines in children.
4. Whereas health facilities are free to amend their formularies, the amendments are limited to their institution only.
5. The PPB continuously reviews the safety, effectiveness and quality of all medicines, including cough and cold medicines, in the Kenyan market and liaises with international regulatory authorities and organizations.
6. There is therefore no cause of alarm and panic among parents and guardians since the syrups are neither poisonous nor dangerous when taken as recommended.
7. The PPB would like to remind all health professionals that any issues and communications to the public about medicines should be channeled through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

DR. FRANCIS M. KIMANI
CHAIRMAN, PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD
MINISTRY OF MEDICAL SERVICES
13 MARCH 2009