CDSCO issues fresh warning on painkillers: Repeated NSAID use may affect kidneys; Check what the drug regulator advises patients and doctors

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a fresh advisory urging people to avoid unnecessary or prolonged use of painkillers and antibiotics without medical advice.

The drug regulator has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with repeated and inappropriate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics. It said these medicines should be taken only when medically required, at the recommended dose and for the appropriate duration under the supervision of a doctor.

Avoid Repeated Or Prolonged Use Of Painkillers


CDSCO has advised people against taking NSAIDs, which are widely used to manage pain, repeatedly or for long periods without consulting a doctor.

The regulator has also urged people with existing kidney disease or other factors that may increase the risk of impaired kidney function to inform their doctor before using NSAIDs.

Prof Sandeep Mahajan, nephrologist at AIIMS, said prolonged and uncontrolled use of painkillers can contribute to a faster 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 Advises Doctors On NSAID Use

CDSCO has advised doctors to use the lowest effective dose of NSAIDs for the shortest appropriate duration. It has also called for greater caution when prescribing these medicines to patients who may be vulnerable to kidney injury.

The advisory comes amid the broader burden of chronic kidney disease in India. A 2025 review of community-based studies estimated the pooled prevalence of chronic kidney disease at 13.24%, although estimates differed substantially across regions and individual studies.

[With TOI inputs]