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Government Issues Major Warning: Self-Medication with Painkillers, Antibiotics Dangerous!
- •CDSCO expressed concern over the unnecessary use of painkillers and antibiotics.
- •Drugs Controller General of India Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi stated NSAIDs and antibiotics should only be sold on a registered doctor's prescription.
- •Under the Drugs Rules, 1945, these medicines are categorized into Schedule G, H, H1, and X based on risks and uses.
- •Antibiotics should only be used when necessary for an illness; avoid self-medication for common viral infections.
- •Instructions were also issued for doctors and pharmacists regarding proper prescription and sale of these medications.
Key Questions Answered
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization issued an advisory stating that all Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics must only be sold with a registered doctor's prescription. The regulator warned against self-medication, prolonged use, and taking antibiotics for common viral infections like colds and fevers.
The apex drug regulator flagged the unnecessary and unchecked use of painkillers and antibiotics, linking their overuse directly to chronic kidney disease and severe liver and organ damage. The advisory highlights that these commonly abused drugs can cause serious health complications even in individuals with healthy organs.
Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or those at risk of kidney problems must inform their doctor before taking any NSAIDs or painkillers. Doctors have also been advised to prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration for high-risk patients.
