Regulator warns against indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics, cites kidney disease risk
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a warning against the indiscriminate, repeated, or prolonged use of painkillers (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, citing the risk of chronic kidney disease. The regulator emphasized that these drugs require a prescription and advised the public against self-medication, urging healthcare professionals to consider patient factors before prescribing.
Why it matters
This warning aims to curb public health issues like antibiotic resistance and kidney damage caused by improper medication use, promoting responsible drug consumption and prescription practices in India.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has cautioned against the indiscriminate, repeated, or prolonged use of painkillers and antibiotics, citing the associated risk of chronic kidney disease and renal impairment.
In a circular dated September 21, 2026, the regulator said non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs Rules, 1945, and are required to be sold and distributed on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
The CDSCO said most NSAIDs are included in Schedule H of the Drugs Rules and cannot be sold at retail without a prescription. Most antibiotics are included in Schedule H1 and carry warnings that they should not be taken except in accordance with medical advice and should not be sold without a prescription.
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