Consideration should be given by the Department of Health to the introduction of new regulations which would control the manner in which codeine-containing painkillers are handed out in pharmacies, it was claimed yesterday.
Darragh O'Loughlin, a Galway pharmacist who is also chairman of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union's (IPU) Community Pharmacy Committee, said that these painkillers should continue to be available to patients over the counter but only upon consultation with the pharmacist on duty at the time.
He said that a similar system was in place in the UK for controlling the dispensing of the morning-after pill, with the emergency contraceptive only being handed out over the counter once a pharmacist has been spoken to.
Research had found, he said, that 96 per cent of pharmacists in the State believed there was a problem, albeit a relatively small one, with individuals in the community overusing codeine-containing medicines and becoming dependent on them.
Codeine is an opiate that is found in commonly used painkillers such as Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus.
These medicines should only be taken as recommended as overuse can lead to addiction.
"Taking medicines which contain codeine for longer than instructed or misusing them can lead to physical and psychological dependence and result in withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness and irritability once the patient stops taking the medication," Mr O'Loughlin said.
"Patients who use pain relievers which contain codeine for longer than three days at a time or exceed the recommended dosage could also experience what are called rebound headaches," he added.
His comments came as the IPU and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) launched an information campaign for the public on the safe use of painkillers. They recommend people always follow the instructions which accompany the medicines and that they do not use them for longer than stated on the pack, unless advised to do so by their doctor.
They should also be aware that aspirin, for example, should not be given to a child.
"People who misuse non-prescription pain relievers can become addicted to certain substances and suffer withdrawal symptoms if they do not continue to take them. The pattern of usage then becomes a vicious circle resulting in dependency.
"We hope that by highlighting this issue, patients will be mindful of the problems that can result from the misuse of such medications and will consult with their pharmacist who can advise them on appropriate medical care which will minimise any potential risks to themselves or their families," Mr O'Loughlin added.