Abuse and misuse of over-the-counter drugs ‘widespread’

ABUSE and misuse of over-the-counter medicines has become widespread and out of control, says the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

Dr Mark Ledwidge, a member of the society’s Practice of Pharmacy Task Force, said there was anecdotal evidence of extensive misuse of products containing codeine, such as laxatives and cold and flu medicines.

Dr Ledwidge said the abuse and misuse was particularly difficult to detect.