Irrational Drug Use: The Silent Epidemic in India’s Medicine Cabinet

Nowadays, India has emerged as the “pharmacy of the world”. From life-saving antibiotics to cost-effective generics, the nation supplies every essential medication to nearly 200 countries worldwide. However, within its own territory, a paradoxical crisis is emerging: irrational drug use.

This problem is a significant threat to public health, leading to escalating healthcare costs, increased drug resistance, adverse drug reactions and treatment failures. Despite regulatory measures aimed at promoting rational drug use, the issue is still deeply embedded in both urban and rural regions.

This widespread and complex problem undermines the healthcare system and worsens public health outcomes.

Irrational Drug Use

Irrational drug use refers to the use of medications in a way that does not adhere to the clinical guidelines, which includes incorrect prescription, self-medication, misuse of antibiotics and injectables, inappropriate drug marketing and polypharmacy (taking several medicines at the same time).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 50% of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, and half of all patients do not take their medicines as prescribed.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to India’s irrational drug use crisis. The three most common factors are :

• Inadequate regulatory framework – Although India has a drug control law, its implementation is inconsistent. A recent report published in the Discover Health Systems reveals that the absence of an effective regulatory system significantly contributed to the easy availability and oversupply of numerous medicines, including those with limited safety profile data.

• Lack of Awareness – Many people believe in the power of a quick cure and rely on friends, family and social media rather than a qualified healthcare professional. Many patients discontinue the treatment once their symptoms improve without understanding the long-term effects.

• Misuse of AI tools-  One of the most significant concerns is the trend of individuals utilising AI tools to diagnose and prescribe treatments without the consultation of a healthcare professional. Although AI can provide general information, it cannot perform a physical examination and evaluate complex medical conditions, which can lead to misdiagnosis,  inappropriate treatment, and drug interactions.

Consequences

• Adverse drug reactions and toxicity – Polypharmacy and self-medication may increase the risk of drug interactions and serious adverse effects associated with medications.

• Drug resistance – Easy access to OTC drugs, including antibiotics, leads individuals to treat themselves without consulting a healthcare professional, resulting in complications such as toxicity, antimicrobial resistance and treatment failure.

• Financial Burden – Unnecessary medicines and their side effects lead to additional treatment and hospital visits.

Addressing the Crisis

• Strengthening the regulations – Improving the law enforcement and controlling the sales of OTC medicines may reduce the risk of self-medication and drug resistance.

• Public Awareness and Training – Training and educating people on the risk of self-medication and polypharmacy can decrease the risk of irrational drug usage. Additionally, patients should be informed about the limitations of AI tools and encouraged to seek professional medical guidance for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Digitising Prescriptions – E-healthcare platforms facilitated a more effective way of managing medications by minimising errors and effectively tracking prescriptions.

Conclusion

The irrational use of medicines in India is a hidden epidemic. It may not capture headlines, but its impact on the healthcare system is profound and dangerous. By improving the laws and their implementation, as well as raising public awareness, the country can move towards a future where every medication prescribed is safe and effective.