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Paracetamol availability in pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in Dublin, Ireland
A M Ní Mhaoláin1, M Davoren, B D Kelly
1Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 62/63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. ainemullen@gmail.com
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|February 10, 2009
Summary
Many Irish pharmacies and non-pharmacy outlets fail to comply with regulations on paracetamol sales, increasing overdose risks. Stricter enforcement and restricted sales in certain outlets are recommended to reduce harm.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Public Health Policy
- Pharmaceutical Sales Regulation
Background:
- In 2004, over 11,000 hospital presentations in Ireland involved self-harm, with 7,933 drug overdoses, 31% of which were paracetamol-related.
- Limiting paracetamol availability is a proven strategy to decrease overdose morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess compliance with Irish statutory regulations for paracetamol sales.
- To identify outlets with non-compliant sales practices.
Main Methods:
- Researchers visited 70 outlets (20 pharmacies, 50 non-pharmacies) in Dublin.
- Purchased paracetamol amounts exceeding statutory single-transaction limits.
- Re-assessed compliance one year later.
Main Results:
- Initially, 50% of pharmacies, 81.8% of newsagents/mini-markets, and 20% of supermarkets sold excess paracetamol.
- After one year, compliance improved in newsagents/mini-markets (52.3%) but remained at 50% for pharmacies and improved to 10% for supermarkets.
- Significant non-compliance persisted across outlet types.
Conclusions:
- Discontinue paracetamol sales in newsagents/mini-markets due to persistent non-compliance.
- Continue sales in supermarkets, ensuring automated checkouts are re-programmed.
- Enhance compliance monitoring and enforcement in pharmacies.
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