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. The present study aimed to determine the level of compliance with statutory regulations governing the sale of paracetamol in Ireland.

Researchers visited pharmacy and non-pharmacy outlets (newsagents, mini-markets and supermarkets) in Dublin city and attempted to purchase amounts of paracetamol that exceeded the statutory limits for a single transaction. All paracetamol tablets purchased in non-pharmacy outlets were in blister-packs and all non-pharmacy outlets sold packs with 12 tablets or fewer per pack.

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

20.0% of supermarkets.

We recommend that

1. (a) the sale of paracetamol in newsagents/mini-markets should be discontinued

2. (b) the sale of paracetamol in supermarkets should continue, but automated check-out tills should be programmed to prevent the sales that exceed statutory limits

3. (c) there should be greater efforts to ensure compliance with statutory regulations in pharmacies.