| Paracetamol availability in pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets in Dublin, Ireland. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19198976 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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INTRODUCTION: In 2004, there were 11,092 presentations to Irish hospitals with deliberate self-harm, including 7,933 cases of drug overdose, of which 31% involved paracetamol. Limiting the availability of paracetamol reduces morbidity and mortality associated with paracetamol overdose. AIM: The present study aimed to determine the level of compliance with statutory regulations governing the sale of paracetamol in Ireland. METHODS: Researchers visited pharmacy (n = 20) and non-pharmacy outlets (newsagents, mini-markets and supermarkets) (n = 50) in Dublin city and attempted to purchase amounts of paracetamol that exceeded the statutory limits for a single transaction. RESULTS: Amounts of paracetamol in excess of statutory limits for a single transaction were purchased in 50.0% of pharmacies, 81.8% of newsagents/mini-markets and 20.0% of supermarkets. One year later, we again visited pharmacy (n = 20) and non-pharmacy outlets (n = 50) in Dublin city and purchased amounts of paracetamol in excess of statutory limits in 50.0% of pharmacies, 52.3% of newsagents/mini-markets and 10.0% of supermarkets. CONCLUSION: We recommend that (a) notwithstanding the improvement in compliance rates in newsagents/mini-markets, the sale of paracetamol in these outlets should be discontinued; (b) the sale of paracetamol in supermarkets should continue, although automated checkout tills should be appropriately re-programmed; and (c) there should be greater efforts to ensure compliance with statutory regulations in pharmacies. |
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Authors:
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A M Ní Mhaoláin; M Davoren; B D Kelly; E Breen; P Casey |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article Date: 2009-02-06 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Irish journal of medical science Volume: 178 ISSN: 1863-4362 ISO Abbreviation: Ir J Med Sci Publication Date: 2009 Mar |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-02-26 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 7806864 Medline TA: Ir J Med Sci Country: Ireland |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 79-82 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 62/63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. ainemullen@gmail.com |
Export Citation:
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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