Stories
Modi Government Warns: Painkiller, Antibiotic Overuse Damages Kidneys
- •India's drug regulator, CDSCO, issued an advisory linking unchecked use of painkillers (NSAIDs) and antibiotics to chronic kidney disease.
- •The circular, signed by Drugs Controller General Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, targets doctors, pharmacists, hospitals, and the public.
- •It warns against indiscriminate, repeated, or prolonged use of NSAIDs and antibiotics without medical advice, especially for self-medication of viral infections.
- •Healthcare professionals are directed to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically indicated, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
- •Pharmacists are reminded that most painkillers and antibiotics are Schedule H/H1 drugs, requiring a prescription, and hospitals must strengthen monitoring systems.
Key Questions Answered
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) issued an advisory warning against the unchecked and prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, highlighting their direct link to chronic kidney disease and antimicrobial resistance.
Doctors have been directed to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically indicated after evaluating a patient's age and health conditions. They are advised to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration while following antimicrobial stewardship principles.
Chemists, retailers, and distributors are reminded that most painkillers fall under Schedule H and most antibiotics under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, meaning they legally cannot be sold without a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
