Drug regulator warns against prolonged use of painkillers, antibiotics

India’s drug regulator has warned against the indiscriminate, repeated or prolonged use of painkillers and antibiotics, citing risks including kidney complications and chronic kidney disease. The advisory urges patients to use these medicines only under medical supervision and advises doctors to prescribe them judiciously. It also calls for stricter antibiotic stewardship, discourages self-medication and asks pharmacies and hospitals to ensure compliance with prescription and safety rules.