Guidelines to tackle use of codeine

Pharmacies are facing new guidelines to tackle the increasing abuse of codeine.

The drug is sold over the counter in cough medicines and pain-killers.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland's draft guidelines recommend that other drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen be considered as treatment before codeine.

Kate Mulvenna of the PSI said: "It is important that people use the drug carefully."