Probe • Vol LXII • No. 3 • May–Aug 2023 • 11 Clinical Evidence 2 Effect of Septilin® Syrup on Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Aim To determine the efficacy of Septilin syrup in the management of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children Materials and Methods This trial included 20 children (9 mo to 5 y of age) with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) from the pediatric OPD of Goa Medical College Hospital (Goa, India). Infants and children with recurrent URTIs of suspected viral etiology were included. All patients underwent routine blood counts, throat cultures, and a chest X-ray. Septilin syrup was prescribed at an initial dose of 1 teaspoon, BID, for infants and 2 teaspoons, BID, for children. Subsequently, the dose was increased to 1 teaspoon, TID, for infants and 2 teaspoons, TID, in those children who did not show a significant improvement; and in most patients, Septilin was administered for 12 to 16 weeks. The weight gain and regression of signs and symptoms were evaluated at the follow-up visit. The responses were graded as 3 categories: • Excellent, in case children had complete cessation of symptoms during and after Septilin syrup therapy and remained asymptomatic over the next 3 months. • Good, in case children had complete cessation of symptoms during and after the therapy but became symptomatic during the next 3 months. • Poor, in case children had recurrent or persistent symptoms during and after the completion of the therapy. Results The frequency of URTI recurrence was 4 times, in each child, prior to Septilin therapy. Ten patients (50%) who were younger than 2 years showed an excellent response, while the other 10 patients (50%) displayed good response. The latter group included 5 patients aged 3 to 5 years and 5 patients under the age of 3 years. The dose of the medication had to be increased, and the duration of the treatment increased to 8 to 12 weeks. The avoidance of antibiotics was possible in 75% of cases, and the remaining 25% required antibiotics. As the study included patients with a highly suspected viral etiology, none of the patients could be categorized as being in the poor response group. No side effects were observed. All the parents expressed satisfaction in terms of the acceptability and palatability of Septilin syrup. At follow-up, a majority of the patients reported improved symptoms, and all the patients reported good appetite and weight gain. Conclusion The study demonstrated that Septilin syrup is effective in the management of recurrent URTIs. In addition, Septilin syrup increased appetite and weight gain. Therefore, Septilin syrup may be effective in treating recurring viral URTIs. Summary • The study included 20 children with an age range from 9 months to 5 years with upper respiratory tract infections. • The patients were prescribed Septilin syrup at an initial dose of 1 teaspoon, BID, for infants and 2 teaspoons, BID, for children. Subsequently, the
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