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1: QJM. 2002 Sep;95(9):609-19.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
QJM. 2002 Dec;95(12):831-2.

Paracetamol toxicity: epidemiology, prevention and costs to the health-care system.

Sheen CL, Dillon JF, Bateman DN, Simpson KJ, Macdonald TM.

Medicines Monitoring Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK. chris@memo.dundee.ac.uk

Paracetamol has been used as an analgesic and antipyretic for many years, with toxicity first noted in the 1960s. Since then the incidence of poisoning has increased, and paracetamol is now the most common drug in self-poisoning, with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The use, abuse and ways of reducing paracetamol toxicity are reviewed, but in view of the potential for harm, serious consideration should be given to changing the legal status of paracetamol, possibly to a prescription-only medicine.

PMID: 12205339 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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