Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Indian Regulator Warns Against Misuse of Painkillers and Antibiotics
India’s drug regulator has warned people to use painkillers and antibiotics carefully.
Some painkillers can harm the kidneys if they are taken too often or for too long.
Antibiotics usually do not help with ordinary viral infections.
People should take these medicines only when a doctor says they are needed.
They should use the correct dose for the correct amount of time.
People should not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine.
Doctors should consider a patient’s health, age and other medicines before prescribing them.
Pharmacies and hospitals were told to follow prescription rules and monitor medicine use.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation warned against indiscriminate, repeated or prolonged use of NSAIDs and antibiotics.
The regulator said inappropriate NSAID use can contribute to kidney damage, renal complications and chronic kidney disease.
Most NSAIDs are Schedule H medicines, while most antibiotics are Schedule H1 drugs that generally require a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
People were advised not to self-medicate, share antibiotics or use leftover medicines, 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 and healthcare and pharmaceutical stakeholders.
- What
- It issued an advisory promoting the rational, safe and supervised use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
- When
- The circular was dated September 21, and the advisory was reported on September 22.
- Where
- The guidance applies across India.
- Why
- It aims to prevent avoidable adverse drug reactions, kidney complications, inappropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.
- Regulator
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- NSAID classification
- Most NSAIDs are listed under Schedule H and generally cannot be sold at retail without a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
- Antibiotic classification
- Most antibiotics are listed under Schedule H1 and carry warnings requiring medical advice.
- Kidney risk
- People with kidney disease or other renal-risk factors were advised to inform healthcare professionals before using NSAIDs.
- NSAID prescribing
- Doctors were advised to consider the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration.
- Antibiotic guidance
- Unnecessary combinations, unsuitable selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged treatment should be avoided.
- Regulatory framework
- Medicine import, manufacture, sale and distribution are governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and related rules.
