CDSCO warns against indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics

The CDSCO has warned against indiscriminate use of painkillers and antibiotics, citing associated risks including chronic kidney disease. It has directed State drug authorities to enforce prescription requirements, while advising doctors, retailers and the public to promote safer medicine use.

Hyderabad: Popping a common painkiller or grabbing an antibiotic over-the-counter without a doctor’s slip is officially a red-flag zone, as it can potentially destroy your kidneys. The message from the drug regulatory authorities is loud and clear: your neighbourhood pharmacy counter is no place for a medical diagnosis.

There is a silent surge in kidney diseases and antimicrobial resistance across the country due to indiscriminate, long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are painkillers and anti-inflammatories.

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The warning comes from none other than the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the central drug regulatory authority, which has cracked down on indiscriminate use of NSAIDS by directing the State drug control authorities to take immediate measures to clamp down on such practices.

The CDSCO, in a recent advisory, made it clear that under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules, powerful medicines like NSAIDs (falling under Schedule H) should not be taken by individuals like everyday sweets or chocolates.

The NSAIDs and antibiotics (Schedule H1) are strictly prescription-only drugs. Yet, casual over-the-counter buying and leftover sharing remain rampant across India, the regulator said.

The drug regulator has warned the general public against using painkillers repeatedly or taking antibiotics for viral infections like common colds. Citizens, especially those with pre-existing kidney issues, are urged to stop self-medicating.

It has also instructed doctors to prescribe NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and to curb unnecessary antibiotic combinations.

The chemists and drug retailers have been placed on notice to strictly halt the unauthorised retail sale of NSAIDS Schedule H and H1 drugs without a valid doctor’s prescription.

The central drug regulatory authorities have directed the State authorities, including Telangana Drug Control Administration (TSDCA) and hospitals, to enforce rigorous compliance and ramp up public awareness campaigns to check preventable renal complications.