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Podcast: In Focus by The Hindu
Episode: Are cough syrups effective for children?
Description: If you or your child has a bad cough, the first thing you’ll probably do is reach for a cough syrup. It’s easy, it's available over the counter and there’s no fuss about taking it. But does it work? Is it at all effective to help your cough go away? Last year, a panel of the US Food and Drug Administration came to the agreement that phenylephrine, a common ingredient used in a number of cough and cold medicines is completely ineffective.Health bodies across the world emphasise that over-the-counter cough and co...