Citation

Prescrire Int. 2012; 21(132): 268.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Association Mieux Prescrire)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23210259

Abstract

Paracetamol overdose can cause serious and sometimes fatal liver damage. Children are at particular risk of overdose with the orodispersible tablet form. A study conducted by a Swiss poison control centre showed that children ingested twice the dose of paracetamol in cases involving the orodispersible tablet form. In practice, it is better to keep drugs, including commonly used medicines such as paracetamol, out of reach of children and to warn their relatives and carers that paracetamol is highly toxic in case of overdose. In France, as of 1 March 2012, a number of orodispersible paracetamol tablets are sold in bulk tubes without a child-proof cap, packaging that is particularly dangerous for children. Blister packs sealed with a safety film are safer because it takes longer to remove the tablets. When choosing a drug, the safety of its packaging will remain a key factor to take into consideration until the pharmaceutical industry and drug regulatory agencies place more importance on protecting patients and their relatives.

Language: en