Vol. 487 No. 1
100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the controls, if any, on the sale of paracetamol to retail outlets; the issues, if any, that have been brought to his attention on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/98]
The position in relation to the sale of medicinal products containing paracetamol is that only packs containing not more than 25 500mg tablets or equivalent may be sold in non-pharmacy retail outlets. Quantities above this amount may be sold only in pharmacies and may in certain circumstances require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Because of concerns over the serious effects arising from overdosages of paracetamol, the Irish Medicines Board recently made a series of recommendations in relation to the sale of paracetamol, including a recommendation to further restrict the sale of paracetamol in non-pharmacy retail outlets to packs containing not more than 12 500mg tablets or equivalent.
Consultations are taking place with interested parties on the implementation of the board's recommendations. Regulations to give statutory effect to the recommendations will be introduced once these consultations have been completed.
