“Naturcold” : Cough Syrup Dangerous For Babies

Information from a press release signed by the South West Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Eko Eko Filbert reveals that three babies are suspected to have died from the consumption of a cough syrup with brand name “Naturcold”. The press release further reveals that the syrup, with label containing phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate as active ingredients is a risk to the health of the population. The population has been called upon to be vigilant and to notify the existence of the product to the nearest health facilities and health districts.
According to the focal point, pharmaceutical surveillance at the South West Regional Delegation of Public Health (RDPH) and Regional Coordinator for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), Dr Pamela Oben, the Naturcold product does not have a marketing authorisation in Cameroon. This indicates that no quality control has been applied to the product. Hence, the safety and efficacy of the product cannot be guaranteed to the population. Moreover, it is said that the product is sold clandestinely by roadside vendors who are not trained to dispense pharmaceutical products.
Dr Pamela Oben explains that when the product was suspected to have caused the death of three children in the Tombel Health District in the South West Region, the parents of these children were question...