Paracetamol sales could be restricted to over-18s after concern about teen overdoses

Restricting the sale of paracetamol in Australia is being considered by the national medicines regulator after concerns about overdoses in teenagers were raised by experts.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said today it is weighing up limits of one or two packs per person and restricting sale without a prescription to over 18s.

These and other possible measures were flagged in an independent expert report from medical and poison experts commissioned by the TGA.

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It found that every year 50 Australians die from deliberate paracetamol overdose. Rates of intentional overdose were highest among adolescents and young adults, and more common among females.

While death rates and hospitalisation had not risen over recent years, "there is a concerning increase of misuse in the community", the TGA said

Survival rates from a paracetamol overdose are excellent, but only where medical treatment is sought within two to six hours after ingestion.

If medical intervention is delayed after ingesting high doses of paracetamol, there is a risk of serious liver injury, and sometimes death.

The report also looked at consumer purchasing habits of paracetamol packs and found people tended to buy larger packs. These bigger pack sizes were more commonly used in overdose cases.

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Among its recommendations, the TGA should consider reducing the size of packs of paracetamol sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies without the advice of a pharmacist, the study said.

The TGA has now opened a consultation period until October 14.