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Health
Health Ministry advises lowest effective dose of NSAIDs to curb kidney damage
✍️ Times of India
🗓 28 Sep 2026, 06:38 AM
👁 17
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a new advisory urging patients to use the lowest effective dose of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs, citing increased risk of kidney injury from overuse.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a fresh advisory highlighting the kidney‑related dangers of abusing non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It cautions that indiscriminate or prolonged use of these painkillers can lead to acute kidney injury and accelerate chronic kidney disease.
The advisory urges patients to take the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and to limit the duration of therapy. It also recommends that individuals consult a qualified physician before starting or continuing NSAID treatment, especially for chronic conditions.
NSAIDs are among the most commonly purchased over‑the‑counter medicines for pain, inflammation and fever. However, the ministry notes that high doses or self‑medication without medical guidance increase the likelihood of renal complications, particularly in the elderly and those with pre‑existing health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
Healthcare providers are asked to monitor kidney function in patients who require NSAIDs and to consider alternative therapies where appropriate. The goal is to minimise unnecessary exposure while ensuring effective pain management.
The advisory urges patients to take the lowest dose that effectively relieves symptoms and to limit the duration of therapy. It also recommends that individuals consult a qualified physician before starting or continuing NSAID treatment, especially for chronic conditions.
NSAIDs are among the most commonly purchased over‑the‑counter medicines for pain, inflammation and fever. However, the ministry notes that high doses or self‑medication without medical guidance increase the likelihood of renal complications, particularly in the elderly and those with pre‑existing health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
Healthcare providers are asked to monitor kidney function in patients who require NSAIDs and to consider alternative therapies where appropriate. The goal is to minimise unnecessary exposure while ensuring effective pain management.