'Use lowest effective dose of Nsaids': Fresh advisory on kidney risks of painkiller abuse

Health Ministry warns against misuse of painkillers, antibiotics over kidney disease risk. NEW DELHI: Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a fresh advisory on rational consumption of painkillers and antibiotics, in view of their repeated use, without proper medical advice, putting people at the risk of kidney complications and other adverse effects.The drug regulator's circular says non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) and antibiotics are prescription medicines under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and should be used only when clinically indicated, at the appropriate dose and duration and under medical supervision. It has asked people not to take Nsaids, commonly used as painkillers, repeatedly or for a prolonged period without advice. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has also cautioned against self-medication with antibiotics and advised people with existing kidney disease or other risk factors for renal impairment to inform their doctor before taking Nsaids.Prof Sandeep Mahajan, nephrologist at AIIMS, said unregulated and prolonged use of painkillers can accelerate the decline in kidney function. "All prescription medicines should be taken under the supervision of a qualified physician, with the prescribed dose and duration strictly followed."CDSCO has advised doctors to use the lowest effective dose of Nsaids for the shortest appropriate duration, with extra caution in patients at risk of kidney injury. This comes against the backdrop of a substantial chronic kidney disease burden in India. A 2025 review of community-based studies estimated pooled chronic kidney disease prevalence at 13.24%, although estimates varied widely across regions and studies. Anuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.