OTC medicines can be highly addictive
04 May 2007
The development of dependency on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is often forgotten, warn two doctors.
OTC medicines can be highly addictive
Writing in the BMJ, Drs Chris Ford and Beth Good describe seeing three patients with addictions to Nurofen plus, a combination of ibuprofen and codeine phosphate.
All patients had originally used the medication for its approved indications, but their use had escalated as they became tolerant to the codeine elements. Each patient presented with side-effects related to ibuprofen.
The authors completed a search of available literature, but could find no research on the levels of addiction to OTC drugs within the UK. However, they did find numerous websites detailing cases of addiction and offering support to those people trying to withdraw from these drugs.
What do you think? Comment below or email us at healthcare.republic@haymarket.com
Additional Information
Latest jobs Jobs web feed
- Salaried GP The Practice plc £75-85k FTE +NHS pension, Ely or Leicester
- Regional Clinical Leads The Practice plc Salary £95-105k FTE + NHS pension, Leicester or Sheffield
- Salaried/Lead GPs Malling Health Competitive, role dependant, NHS Pension and defence fees reimbursed, Nationwide
- Newly qualified GP's dr-locums £70 an hour plus, Nationwide
- Full Time Partner (9 sessions) Charnwood Community Medical Group Equal share partner, Loughborough, LEICS
- Locum GP Meddoc Locums £600-£800 A day, London & Essex
Most read
- Health secretary says GPs have 'ethical duty' to save NHS costs
- GPs face 'outcomes targets overload', patient group warns
- LMCs Conference 2012 - Live Blog
- QOF errors trigger £1,000 top ups and clawbacks
- Women to be screened later for cervical cancer in Scotland and Wales
- LMCs conference 2012 - Full coverage
Most commented
MIMS Drug Search
Possible searches include drugs (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases and more.
