Paracetamol availability and recent changes in paracetamol poisoning: is the 1998 legislation limiting availability of paracetamol being followed?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree of adherence to legislation introduced in 1998 restricting the availability of over the counter paracetamol.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
An emergency department in an inner city London teaching hospital. Pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in south London.


METHODS
(1) The source of paracetamol ingested by 107 patients presenting with an acute paracetamol overdose (2001-2003) and (2) the ability to purchase paracetamol from pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in a manner contravening paracetamol pack size legislation (2004).


RESULTS
Potentially toxic amounts of paracetamol in excess of pack size restrictions were purchased in 70% (17 of 24) of outlets. Forty six per cent of patients who had ingested a potentially toxic dose of paracetamol obtained the tablets in a manner contravening the 1998 legislation.


CONCLUSIONS
Legislation limiting the availability of over the counter paracetamol is not being adhered to in south London. A significant number of patients ingesting a potentially toxic dose of paracetamol report purchasing the tablets in a manner contravening the legislation. Studies that attempt to assess the impact of the legislation need to be interpreted in the context of these results. Measures to enforce current legislation may help to reduce the severity of paracetamol poisoning in the UK.
Greene
S L
SL
Guy's and St Thomas's Poisons Unit, Avonley Road, New Cross, London SE14 5ER UK. Shaun.Greene@gstt.nhs.uk
Dargan
P I
PI
Leman
P
P
Jones
A L
AL
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000506:poisoning / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000506:poisoning / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D000082:Acetaminophen