Reaching for a painkiller at the first sign of an ache is a habit millions of Indians share. Now, India’s apex drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has warned that this casual approach to painkillers can damage the kidneys, while also flagging the growing problem of antibiotic misuse.

Painkillers and Your Kidneys

Commonly used painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective when used correctly, but they are not harmless. Taken frequently or in high doses without medical guidance, they can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and, over time, contribute to chronic kidney disease. People with diabetes, hypertension or existing kidney problems are at especially high risk.

The regulator’s warning is aimed at the culture of self-medication, where painkillers are bought over the counter and consumed like routine supplements. Doctors have long cautioned that masking pain repeatedly without diagnosing its cause can allow serious conditions to progress silently while the kidneys bear the cumulative burden.

The Antibiotic Misuse Problem

Alongside painkillers, the CDSCO has highlighted the misuse of antibiotics, another area where self-medication is rampant. Taking antibiotics for viral infections like the common cold, stopping courses midway, or sharing leftover pills fuels antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat for everyone.

Health experts say the twin warnings point to a larger need for prescription discipline in India. The message is simple: medicines are tools, not conveniences. Consulting a doctor, completing prescribed courses and resisting the urge to self-medicate are small habits that protect both individual health and the effectiveness of the drugs themselves.

Pharmacists and doctors’ associations have echoed the regulator’s concerns, noting that India’s easy over-the-counter access to medicines makes public awareness especially important. Simple steps, such as reading labels, respecting dosages and asking a pharmacist or doctor before combining medicines, can prevent much of the harm. The CDSCO’s advisory is ultimately a reminder that safe medicine use is a shared responsibility.