New Delhi: Taking medicines without consulting a doctor has become increasingly common, with many people relying on over-the-counter drugs, old prescriptions or online health information to treat minor ailments. However, medical experts caution that self-medication can delay the diagnosis of serious illnesses, damage vital organs, contribute to antibiotic resistance and lead to dangerous drug interactions.
Doctors say while some over-the-counter medicines may be used safely for minor conditions, medicines should never be taken indiscriminately without proper medical advice.
Why self-medication is increasing
Easy access to pharmacies, previous prescriptions, health-related content on social media and internet searches has encouraged more people to treat themselves instead of seeking professional medical care.
Many individuals take painkillers for headaches, antibiotics for sore throats or cough syrups for persistent coughs without determining the actual cause of their symptoms.
According to experts, this practice may provide temporary relief while allowing the underlying disease to worsen unnoticed.
Minor symptoms may indicate serious illness
Dr Meenakshi Jain, Principal Director and Head of Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, said common symptoms such as fever, fatigue and pain should not always be considered harmless.
She explained that repeated use of painkillers may suppress important warning signs of serious illnesses while prolonged use can also affect the kidneys and liver.
Similarly, Dr Pawan Kumar Goyal, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said persistent headaches, stomach pain or recurring symptoms require proper medical evaluation rather than repeated self-medication.
Antibiotic misuse raises global concern
Doctors identified the misuse of antibiotics as one of the most serious consequences of self-medication.
Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, yet many people continue to use them for viral illnesses such as the common cold and seasonal flu.
Experts warned that taking antibiotics without a prescription or failing to complete the prescribed course contributes to antimicrobial resistance, making bacterial infections increasingly difficult to treat in the future.
Medicines can damage vital organs
According to Dr Sanjay Raina, Professor and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, medicines can have harmful effects when taken without an accurate diagnosis.
He noted that excessive use of anti-inflammatory painkillers may damage the stomach lining and reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
Similarly, consuming high doses of paracetamol can seriously affect liver function, while steroids may suppress immunity, increase blood sugar levels and conceal ongoing infections.
Self-medication common in India
Dr Raina referred to a 2025 systematic review published in the Medical Journal Armed Forces India, which analysed 66 Indian studies involving nearly 30,000 participants.
The review found that 64.4 per cent of respondents had practised self-medication. Fever, headache and cough were among the most common reasons for taking medicines without medical advice.
Painkillers, antibiotics and medicines prescribed during previous illnesses were the drugs most frequently used without consulting healthcare professionals.
Drug interactions pose additional risks
Experts also warned that medicines purchased over the counter may interact with drugs prescribed for chronic illnesses.
Cough syrups, allergy medications, herbal supplements and painkillers can interfere with medicines used to treat diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and thyroid disorders.
Such interactions may reduce the effectiveness of treatment or increase the likelihood of serious side effects.
High-risk groups should be extra cautious
Doctors advised certain groups to avoid self-medication unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
These include:
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Children
- People with diabetes
- Patients with kidney or liver disease
- Individuals taking multiple long-term medications
Experts noted that even commonly used medicines can cause significant complications in these groups.
When to seek medical advice
Medical professionals recommend consulting a doctor if symptoms persist or recur instead of repeatedly taking medicines on one’s own.
Immediate medical attention is advisable in cases of:
- Fever lasting more than two or three days
- Persistent pain
- Recurrent headaches
- Continuous cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in stools or urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequently recurring symptoms
Doctors emphasise that early diagnosis often results in simpler and more effective treatment.
Conclusion
Health experts agree that while certain over-the-counter medicines may provide temporary relief for minor ailments, self-medication should never replace professional medical advice. Responsible use of medicines, timely consultation with qualified healthcare providers and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics are essential to preventing complications and safeguarding long-term health.