CDSCO Warns Against Indiscriminate Use of Painkillers and Antibiotics: What Patients Should Know

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has advised the public, healthcare professionals, pharmacists and other stakeholders against the indiscriminate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used as painkillers, and antibiotics. The advisory focuses on the risks associated with inappropriate or prolonged use of these medicines, including kidney complications and antimicrobial resistance.

Painkillers And Antibiotics Should Not Be Taken Casually

In a circular dated 21 September 2026, CDSCO noted that drugs, including NSAIDs and antibiotics, are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945.

The circular states that these medicines are required to be sold and distributed according to the applicable prescription requirements.

Most NSAIDs are included under Schedule H of the Drugs Rules, 1945, meaning they should not be sold at retail without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. Most antibiotics fall under Schedule H1 and carry specific warnings stating that they are dangerous to take except according to medical advice and should not be sold without a prescription.

Do Not Self-Medicate With Antibiotics

CDSCO specifically advises people not to use antibiotics for self-medication or for illnesses where antibiotic treatment is not clinically indicated, such as most uncomplicated viral infections.

Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional should be taken strictly as advised. They should not be shared with other people or used from leftover medicines.

This is important because inappropriate antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat.

Also Read: What Happens If You Overdose On Painkillers?

Be Careful With Frequent Painkiller Use

The circular advises people not to take NSAIDs or painkillers indiscriminately, repeatedly, or for prolonged periods without medical advice.

• People with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment should inform their healthcare professional before using NSAIDs.
• The public is also advised to seek medical advice if pain, fever or other symptoms persist or return, rather than repeatedly taking painkillers or antibiotics without professional guidance.

Doctors Are Advised To Consider Individual Risks

CDSCO has asked healthcare professionals to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically indicated.

• Doctors are advised to consider factors such as the patient's clinical condition, age, existing health conditions, other medicines and relevant risk factors.
• For NSAIDs, the circular recommends considering the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration, particularly for people at increased risk of kidney impairment.
• Extra precautions are advised for patients taking painkillers with kidney condition, dehydration, cardiovascular disease or other conditions that may increase NSAID-related risks.
• For antibiotics, doctors are advised to follow antimicrobial stewardship principles and consider the likely cause, location and severity of the infection.
• Unnecessary combinations, inappropriate antibiotic selection, incorrect dosing, and unnecessarily prolonged treatment should be avoided.

Also Read: “Stop Taking Antibiotics on Your Own for Flu”: IMA Issues Warning as H1N1 Cases Rise

What Patients Should Remember

The CDSCO advisory highlights a simple message: painkillers and antibiotics should be used only when appropriate and according to medical advice.

• Patients should avoid repeatedly treating recurring pain, fever, or other symptoms on their own.
• Antibiotics should not be saved for future illnesses, shared with others, or taken without a prescription.
• People with kidney problems or other relevant health conditions should discuss NSAID use with their healthcare professional.

Final Word

CDSCO has also advised hospitals and healthcare institutions to strengthen systems for rational prescribing, prescription review, patient counselling and antimicrobial stewardship to help prevent avoidable adverse drug reactions, kidney complications and antimicrobial resistance.