Tetracycline, a widely used antibiotic for treating a range of infections like typhus, tick fever, respiratory infections, cholera, and malaria, has been flagged for potential serious side effects. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), under the health ministry, has issued an alert warning of skin reactions associated with Tetracycline use. These reactions, if left untreated, could escalate into life-threatening situations.
The IPC’s alert, dated September 25th, stems from an analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) data. This data revealed that Tetracycline, when used to treat illnesses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus, Q fever, rickettsial pox, and tick fever, can trigger a specific type of skin reaction known as Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE).
Both doctors and patients are advised to be vigilant and closely monitor for any signs of such adverse reactions while using Tetracycline. The IPC emphasizes the importance of reporting any observed adverse reactions.
This alert highlights a broader concern about antibiotic overuse in India, a nation with the world’s highest consumption of these medications. The anti-infective segment of the pharmaceutical market in India reached a staggering ₹25,130 crore in fiscal year 2024, according to CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics.
The IPC’s role is crucial in monitoring ADRs and providing recommendations to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for ensuring safe and effective medication use. Earlier this year, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) directed state licensing authorities to crack down on unapproved antibiotic combinations in the market. This move was prompted by concerns about excessive and irrational antibiotic usage, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance.
The Indian government is also working on a proposal to regulate antibiotic use under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940. This move aims to address the concerning trends of antibiotic overuse and misuse. The focus is on ensuring responsible antibiotic use to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
