News india Overuse Of Painkillers, Antibiotics Can Damage Kidneys: Modi Government Issues Big Warning
Last Updated:September 22, 2026, 14:22 IST
The advisory pays special attention to patients already living with kidney trouble. The general public has also been told not to self-treat recurring pain or fever.
The circular, issued on September 21, signed by Drugs Controller General (India) Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, is aimed at doctors, pharmacists, hospitals and the general public alike.
India’s apex drug regulator, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued an advisory warning against the unchecked use of painkillers and antibiotics, flagging a direct link to chronic kidney disease.
The circular, issued on September 21, signed by Drugs Controller General (India) Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, is aimed at doctors, pharmacists, hospitals and the general public alike.
The document, seen by News18, makes clear that over-the-counter habits around common painkillers, known medically as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, need to change. “NSAIDs/painkillers and antibiotics should not be taken indiscriminately, repeatedly or for prolonged periods without medical advice.”
The regulator has also cautioned that antibiotics “should not be used for self-medication or for conditions where antibiotic treatment is not clinically indicated, such as most uncomplicated viral infections” – a habit common in Indian households, especially for common cold and fever.
The medical fraternity has backed the move.
“It’s a good decision that antibiotics and NSAIDS have once again been reiterated that they need to be sold after doctor prescriptions. These are most commonly used and abused medications,” Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.
“People take these drugs on their own for extended periods. Allergic reactions are common and serious kidney and liver damage are known complications. That can happen to anyone, even in people with healthy kidneys and liver.”
Kidney Patients Told To Flag Risk Before Taking Painkillers
The advisory pays special attention to patients already living with kidney trouble. It says “individuals, particularly those with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment, should inform their healthcare professional before using NSAIDs.” The general public has also been told not to self-treat recurring pain or fever, with the circular advising people to “seek medical advice where pain, fever or other symptoms persist or recur rather than repeatedly using painkillers or antibiotics on their own.”
Doctors Told To Prescribe “Lowest Effective Dose”
The regulator has not spared prescribers either. Healthcare professionals have been directed to ensure that NSAIDs and antibiotics “should be prescribed only when clinically indicated,” after weighing a patient’s condition, age and other illnesses. On dosage, the circular is specific, stating that “the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration should be considered when prescribing NSAIDs, particularly in patients at increased risk of renal impairment.” Doctors have also been asked to follow antimicrobial stewardship principles and avoid “unnecessary combination therapy, inappropriate antibiotic selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged duration of antibiotic treatment.”
Chemists Warned Against Selling Schedule Drugs Without Prescription
The circular reminds pharmacists, retailers and distributors that most painkillers fall under Schedule H and most antibiotics under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 – categories of medicine that legally cannot be sold without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. It said, “Schedule H/H1 drugs shall not be sold at retail except in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Drugs Rules, 1945,” and that chemists “shall not encourage or facilitate self-medication with antibiotics or prescription-only NSAIDs.” Such medicines, the circular notes, are required by law to carry the warning that it is “dangerous to take this preparation except in accordance with the medical advice.”
Hospitals Asked To Tighten Monitoring
Hospitals and healthcare institutions have been directed to strengthen internal systems for “rational prescribing and monitoring of NSAIDs and antibiotics” and to push prescription review and proper patient counselling. The state and union territory drugs control authorities have also been asked to run awareness campaigns among doctors, chemists and the public on the risks of overusing these medicines.
The circular concludes by asking all stakeholders to take necessary steps to promote “rational, safe and responsible use of NSAIDs and antibiotics” and to help prevent avoidable kidney damage, adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance — a growing public health concern in India.
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Quick AnswersPowered by
Ask News18What advisory did the CDSCO issue regarding painkillers and antibiotics?
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) issued an advisory warning against the unchecked and prolonged use of painkillers (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, highlighting their direct link to chronic kidney disease and antimicrobial resistance.
What regulations do chemists face regarding selling painkillers and antibiotics?
Chemists, retailers, and distributors are reminded that most painkillers fall under Schedule H and antibiotics fall under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, meaning they legally cannot be sold without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
What guidelines were issued for doctors prescribing NSAIDs and antibiotics?
Doctors have been instructed to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically indicated using the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration, while avoiding inappropriate combinations or self-medication support.
Powered byAsk News18About the Author
Himani ChandnaSenior Associate Editor
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN-News18, tracks healthcare, pharma and medical research, bringing clarity to complex science and policy.
First Published:
September 22, 2026, 14:22 IST
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