AIIMS Raipur Doctor Warns Against Overuse of a Common Antibiotic

In India, many people use antibiotics very often, sometimes even without asking a doctor. When we get fever, cough, or a mild infection, we think antibiotics will fix everything quickly. But health experts are now warning that this habit can be dangerous. One such warning has come from Dr. Parwez Alam, a urologist from AIIMS Raipur, who has over 15 years of medical experience.

Dr. Alam said that there is a widely used antibiotic that can cause very serious side effects if it is taken without proper care. He explained that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the main authority that checks the safety of medicines, has issued a Black Box Warning for this drug. A Black Box Warning is the strictest and most serious warning that can be given for any medicine. It means that the medicine can cause harmful side effects and must be used very carefully.

According to Dr. Alam, this antibiotic has been known to damage tendons, which are the strong tissues that attach muscles to bones. If tendons are damaged, a person may feel severe pain, weakness, and sometimes may not be able to move properly. In some cases, this damage can even become permanent. He also mentioned that some people developed uncontrolled diabetes after using this medicine. This means their blood sugar levels became difficult to manage even with medication.

Dr. Alam also shared that the drug can cause nerve-related problems. This may lead to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. Such nerve damage can disturb daily life and sometimes does not heal completely.

What makes the situation worse is that this antibiotic is still commonly prescribed and sold in many pharmacies. Some people even buy it without a prescription, thinking it is safe because it is easy to get. But Dr. Alam strongly advised that people should not use antibiotics unless a doctor says they are necessary. He especially warned parents not to give this medicine to children or teenagers, as it can harm their growing bodies.

Doctors around the world also worry that overuse of antibiotics makes bacteria stronger. When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics stop working. This means that in the future, even normal infections may become difficult to treat.

Dr. Alam’s advice is simple:

• Do not take antibiotics without talking to a doctor.

• Do not ask doctors to prescribe antibiotics when they say it is not needed.

• Complete the full course of the medicine only if it has been prescribed.

• Avoid self-medication.

This warning is important for everyone. Medicines can save lives, but only when they are used correctly. Being careful today can protect your health in the future.