The State Drugs Control Administration (DCA) under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on September 29 cautioning against the indiscriminate use of painkillers, especially non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antibiotics. The notice, issued in line with a directive from the Drugs Controller General of India, warns that improper use of these medicines can lead to serious health risks, including chronic kidney disease.
The advisory urges the public not to take NSAIDs, painkillers or antibiotics for prolonged periods without medical advice. It specifically cautions against self‑medication with antibiotics for conditions that are not clinically indicated, such as most uncomplicated viral infections. When antibiotics are prescribed, patients must follow the exact dosage and duration, should not share the medication, and must not use leftover stocks.
Healthcare professionals are instructed to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically justified, taking into account the patient’s age, co‑morbidities, other medicines and risk factors. NSAIDs should be given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration, especially for patients at higher risk of kidney problems. For antibiotics, the advisory stresses judicious prescribing based on the causative organism, infection site, severity, and local susceptibility patterns, avoiding unnecessary combination therapy, incorrect dosing and prolonged courses.
Pharmacists, retailers and distributors are directed to comply with the rules governing the sale of Schedule H, H1 and prescription drugs. Retailers must not sell these medicines without a prescription and should not encourage self‑medication. Hospitals and health institutions are asked to strengthen rational prescribing, monitor NSAID and antibiotic use, and promote antimicrobial stewardship and patient counselling.
