India’s drug regulator has asked healthcare professionals and pharmacists to discourage the indiscriminate use of painkillers such as NSAIDs and antibiotics, citing the risk of kidney damage and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These medicines should not be taken repeatedly, for long periods or without medical advice, and antibiotics should not be self-medicated or used for viral infections, colds or fever. A nephrologist explains that NSAIDs reduce protective substances in the kidneys, which can lower blood flow and trigger sudden kidney injury, especially in people who are dehydrated, elderly, or have CKD or heart failure. Prolonged use can also cause lasting kidney damage, high blood pressure and a gradual loss of kidney function. Even commonly available painkillers are not completely harmless. Use them at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and only on a doctor’s advice, especially if you are at high risk.
