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Indian Drug Regulator Warns Against Misusing Painkillers, Antibiotics
India’s drug regulator has warned people not to use painkillers or antibiotics carelessly.
Some painkillers can hurt the kidneys, especially when taken too often or for too long.
Antibiotics do not help most simple viral infections.
People should take these medicines only when a doctor says they are needed.
They should use the correct amount for the correct length of time.
People should not share antibiotics or take leftover doses.
Doctors should consider a patient’s health and other medicines before prescribing them.
Pharmacies must follow rules requiring prescriptions for many of these medicines.
Hospitals and officials were asked to monitor medicine use and teach people about the risks.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation advised against indiscriminate, repeated or prolonged use of NSAIDs and antibiotics.
The regulator warned that misuse can contribute to chronic kidney disease, renal complications, adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance.
Most NSAIDs are under Schedule H, while most antibiotics are under Schedule H1 and generally require a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
Patients were told not to self-medicate, share antibiotics or use leftovers, and to seek medical advice when symptoms persist or recur.
Doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and state drug authorities were directed to strengthen prescribing oversight, antimicrobial stewardship and compliance with sale regulations.
- Who
- The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, led in the circular by Drugs Controller General (India) Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, addressed the public, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, hospitals and state drug authorities.
- What
- It issued an advisory promoting the rational, supervised and legally compliant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
- Where
- The guidance applies across India.
- When
- The circular was dated September 21 and the advisory was reported on September 22.
- Why
- It aims to prevent avoidable adverse drug reactions, kidney complications, inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.
Key facts
- Regulator
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- Circular date
- September 21
- NSAID classification
- Most NSAIDs are listed under Schedule H and generally require a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
- Antibiotic classification
- Most antibiotics are listed under Schedule H1 and carry warnings requiring medical advice.
- Kidney warning
- People with kidney disease or other renal-risk factors should inform healthcare professionals before using NSAIDs.
- Prescribing guidance
- NSAIDs should generally be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration.
- Antibiotic guidance
- Unnecessary combinations, unsuitable selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged treatment should be avoided.
Quotes
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
India’s national drug regulatory organisation issuing the circular
“As per the said rules, all drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are required to be sold and distributed in the country on prescription of an RMP/specialist only.”
theprint.in
“The public is advised to seek medical advice where pain, fever or other symptoms persist or recur rather than repeatedly using painkillers or antibiotics on their own.”
theprint.in
The advisory
Regulatory guidance directed at medicine sellers
“Pharmacists and retailers shall not encourage or facilitate self-medication with antibiotics or prescription-only NSAIDS”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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