Paracetamol prescribing--an epidemic?

BACKGROUND: Although we are uncertain of its therapeutic mechanism, paracetamol is seen as a safe drug, especially for children. However, adult fatalities from overdose and its association with hepatotoxicity have cast doubt on its safety.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish the prescribing patterns of paracetamol in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHOD: The prescribing patterns in the UAE for paracetamol were studied by obtaining information on national utilization and recording in detail the pattern of prescribing in one primary health care centre.

RESULTS: Paracetamol was included in 35.5% of all prescriptions from the study practice. Of these, 58.5% were for children under 12 years of age and overall 13.5% were for those infants under one year of age.

CONCLUSIONS: National prescribing utilization is in keeping with the prescribing patterns of the index practice. Paracetamol prescribing is reaching epidemic proportions and the potential dangers of hepatotoxicity and the inhibition of the immune response in children are discussed.