Reduced packet sizes may decrease paracetamol and salicylate self-poisoning
RIS ID
62713
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracetamol is commonly used in cases of deliberate self-poisoning. Overdoses are a major cause of liver failure in the United Kingdom. Legislation introduced in September 1998 aimed to reduce such incidents by restricting the size of over-the-counter paracetamol packaging and including specific health warnings. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of legislative changes restricting ‘over the counter’ paracetamol and salicylate package sizes on self-poisoning rates. SETTING Five liver units and seven general hospitals, United Kingdom; September 1996-September 1999. METHOD Before and after observational study.
Publication Details
Dargan, P. I. & Jones, A. L. (2001). Reduced packet sizes may decrease paracetamol and salicylate self-poisoning. Evidence-based Healthcare, 5 (4), 117-118.