A nationwide survey has recently indicated that antibiotics are the most common cause of drug-related side effects among Indians. Carried out across 303 districts with responses from more than 17,000 citizens, the study indicates extensive over-the-counter sale and misuse of antibiotics as the most critical public health issue.

Key Highlights

Antibiotics Lead in Causing Side Effects

• 42% of the people who consumed allopathic medicines reported severe side effects from antibiotics.

• In total, 51% of users of allopathy showed noticeable side effects in the past 10 years.

Ayush Medicines Also in the Dock

• 49% of the people reported side effects after consuming Ayush treatments.

• Side effects were caused by Ayurveda treatments in 37% of the users; Homoeopathy in 24%; Siddha, Unani, and others in 11%.

Survey Scope and Findings

• Carried out by LocalCircles, the survey included 17,000+ individuals in 303 districts.

• One out of two individuals have suffered side effects from allopathy or Ayush systems in the last decade.

Expert Insights

• Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, past president of IMA Cochin, stressed that in most nations, antibiotics are prescription-only.

• In India, their over-the-counter sale and abuse are driving antimicrobial resistance.

• IMA has repeatedly cautioned against unauthorized use of antibiotics because of increasing risks of resistance.

For retail pharmacists, the results highlight the imperative need for prudent dispensing practice and heightened public awareness. Antibiotics, though life-saving, should be sold only on prescription. Pharmacists should also take up educating patients regarding potential side effects and risks of self-medication. As antimicrobial resistance increases, active pharmacy-based interventions could prevent an impending health crisis.