Srinagar, Sept 23 (JKNS): The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has cautioned against the indiscriminate, repeated or prolonged use of painkillers and antibiotics, citing associated risks including chronic kidney disease and renal impairment.
The regulator issued the circular on September 21, 2026, as per news agency JKNS, the CDSCO has advised healthcare professionals, pharmacists, retailers, hospitals and State drug control authorities to ensure that these medicines are used only when clinically indicated, at appropriate doses and for appropriate durations.
The regulator said non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs Rules, 1945, and are required to be sold and distributed on prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
Most NSAIDs are included in Schedule H, while most antibiotics are covered under Schedule H1, carrying prescription-related requirements and warnings against use without medical advice.
The CDSCO advised the public not to self-medicate with antibiotics or use them for conditions where they are not clinically indicated, including most uncomplicated viral infections.
It also advised patients prescribed antibiotics by healthcare professionals to take them strictly as directed and not share them with others or use leftover medicines.
People with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment have been advised to inform their healthcare professionals before taking NSAIDs.
The regulator further advised people to seek medical advice if pain, fever or other symptoms persist or recur instead of repeatedly taking painkillers or antibiotics on their own.
For medical professionals, the CDSCO recommended considering a patient’s age, comorbidities, other medicines and risk factors before prescribing these drugs.
It advised that the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration should be considered while prescribing NSAIDs, particularly for patients at increased risk of renal impairment.
Doctors have also been urged to follow antimicrobial stewardship principles while prescribing antibiotics and avoid unnecessary combination therapy, inappropriate drug selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged treatment.
Pharmacists and retailers have been directed to strictly comply with statutory requirements governing Schedule H and H1 drugs and not facilitate self-medication.
The CDSCO has also asked hospitals and healthcare institutions to strengthen systems for rational prescribing, prescription review, antimicrobial stewardship and patient counselling.
State and Union Territory drug control authorities have been asked to undertake awareness activities regarding the risks associated with inappropriate use of these medicines and the applicable regulatory requirements. (JKNS)
