Trends in analgesic self-poisoning in West-Fife, 1971-1985.
All admissions for analgesic self-poisoning to a district poisons unit over a 15-year period have been reviewed. During this time overdose with analgesic drugs increased to represent almost half of all admissions for self-poisoning. The types of analgesics taken in overdose also changed significantly during the period of this review. Aspirin and Distalgesic poisoning declined in incidence and more cases of self-poisoning by paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were seen. The impact of these changes on the medical management and outcome of deliberate self-poisoning is analysed. The reasons behind the trends described in this paper are assessed and their implications for future prevention and treatment are discussed.
McMurray
J J
JJ
Acute Medical Unit, Milesmark Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.
Northridge
D B
DB
Abernethy
V A
VA
Lawson
A A
AA
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000700:Analgesics / Q000506:poisoning*; D011431:Dextropropoxyphene / Q000506:poisoning; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000506:poisoning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008528:Mefenamic Acid / Q000506:poisoning; D012606:Scotland; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000453:epidemiology
D000700:Analgesics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000082:Acetaminophen; D008528:Mefenamic Acid; C011800:acetaminophen, dextropropoxyphene, drug combination; D011431:Dextropropoxyphene