State DCA cautions against painkiller, antibiotic misuse

DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): State Drugs Control Administration (DCA) under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) has issued an advisory cautioning against indiscriminate use of painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antibiotics, warning of associated risks, including chronic kidney disease.
Issued in line with a directive from the Drugs Controller General of India, the advisory seeks to promote safe and rational medicine use and prevent avoidable health risks.
The public has been advised not to take NSAIDs, painkillers or antibiotics or for prolonged periods without medical advice. Antibiotics should not be used for self-medication or conditions where they are not clinically indicated, including most uncomplicated viral infections. When prescribed, they should be taken strictly as directed and should neither be shared nor used from leftover stocks.
People with pre-existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment have been urged to inform doctors before using NSAIDs. Those experiencing persistent or recurring pain, fever or other symptoms should seek medical advice rather than self-medicating.
Healthcare professionals have been advised to prescribe NSAIDs and antibiotics only when clinically indicated, considering the patient’s condition, age, co-morbidities, other medicines and risk factors. NSAIDs should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration, for patients at higher risk of kidney problems. Extra caution is required for those with renal impairment, dehydration or cardiovascular disease.
For antibiotics, the advisory calls for judicious prescribing in line with antimicrobial stewardship principles. Doctors should consider the causative organism, infection site and severity and, where appropriate, microbial investigations and local susceptibility patterns. Unnecessary combination therapy, inappropriate selection, incorrect dosing and unnecessarily prolonged courses should be avoided.
Pharmacists, retailers and distributors have been directed to comply with rules governing the sale of Schedule H, H1 and prescription drugs. Schedule H and H1 medicines must not be sold at retail except in accordance with the Drugs Rules, 1945. Retailers should not encourage or facilitate self-medication with antibiotics or prescription-only NSAIDs and must observe prescribed warnings and conditions of sale.
Hospitals and healthcare institutions have been advised to strengthen rational prescribing and monitoring of NSAIDs and antibiotics, while promoting antimicrobial stewardship, prescription review and patient counselling.