Abstract:
Background
Cough syrups are widely used in the developing world, but safety of their use in infants and
children less than two years has not been well documented. Some syrups contain multiple
combinations of such drugs as promethazine, diphenhydramine and ephedrine; which are
individually now contraindicated in children less than two years. Despite this, the syrups are
available as over the counter drugs and may be dispensed to mothers who are unaware of
the potentially hazardous effects to their infants. A descriptive cross-sectional study was
used to investigate suitability of cough syrups sold within Eldoret municipality for use in children less than two years of age based on their formulations and available literature.