I want to make a clear statement regarding cough syrup use in children and in general. This is especially for those idiotic physicians who still prescribe cough syrups for children even in 2025. Please stop prescribing cough syrups to children, especially in a country like India where public healthcare is not evidence based and proper vigilance and scrutiny of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is zero. The routine use of conventional cough syrups is not recommended due to limited benefit and safety concerns. Most guidelines advise supportive care and highlight that cough in children is usually self-limiting. Overall, major guidelines suggest against routine OTC cough/cold meds for common-cold cough in kids. Honey (>1 yr.) is reasonable; otherwise supportive care. Age related recommendations: Under 4: skip cough syrups. 4–6: avoid, especially opioid cough syrups. 6–11: can be used cautiously, but evidence is very limited. Again never use opioids; avoid benzonatate. 12–17: no opioids; even dextromethorphan use should be cautious because abuse risk of this is high in this group. Adults: routine cough syrups aren’t recommended. ≥65: avoid sedating/anticholinergic combos; check interactions; always favour non-drug options. What actually helps Honey (for anyone >1 year) for a few days at night time can modestly ease cough. For those thinking that "natural" options are better, please avid OTC Ayurvedic and Herbal cough syrups because [1] they contain multiple herbs that can interact in the body and cause organ damage or interact with other medicines to cause harm and [2] they are not adequately tested for safety or benefits and are directly marketed without evidence and [3] the doses mentioned in those Ayurvedic bottles are not scientifically identified, but the company's arbitrary doses, which may not be safe for all, or all ages. Read the label! And for those thinking herbal is unsafe, so lets go with Homeopathy cough syrups, please don't even tough those with a 10ft pole because not only they have multiple herbs, but also high levels of alcohol which is never safe for children or adults and will have high chances of misuse/ addiction later on. Read the label!

Do not routinely and randomly check for vitamin D levels. If found incidentally low, do not routinely start taking vitamin D supplements. Yes, vitamin D supplement intake increases vitamin D levels (duh!)… …but it does not impact health in any clinically meaningful way in adults who randomly check and routinely consume based on an incidentally identified abnormal report. The most wasteful health intervention is checking Vitamin D randomly in apparently healthy adults and then consuming a supplement for it.