Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with paracetamol poisoning before and after restrictions of over-the-counter sale of paracetamol

IntroductionParacetamol poisoning is a frequent cause of hospitalization in Denmark. On 30 September 2013, the Danish authorities restricted packages available without a prescription in pharmacy outlets to contain a maximum of 10 g of paracetamol. We aimed to investigate the effects of this regulation.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of two groups of patients admitted consecutively to a Danish University Hospital due to poisoning with paracetamol in 365 days in 2012-13 before 30 September 2013, and a corresponding 365-day period in 2017-18. Data were extracted from patient records.ResultsIn 2012-2013 and 2017-18, 156 and 92 admissions in 127 and 78 unique patients, respectively, were identified. Ingestion of more than 20 g paracetamol occurred in a significantly higher proportion of cases in 2012-13 compared to 2017-18 (29% vs 13%, P < 0.01). In accordance, there were no cases of international normalized ratio >1.5 or alanine aminotransferase activity >1000 U/L in the post-legislation period, and seven and five cases in the pre-legislation period, respectively. Females accounted for 80% and 78% of patients in the two periods, respectively, and were considerably younger than males (median [interquartile range]: 22 [17-40] vs. 47 [30-56], P < 0.01 in 2012-13, and 23 [18-46] vs. 43 [27-49] years, P = 0.02 in 2017-18). Furthermore, in 2012-13, intentional poisonings occurred in a higher proportion of females than males 2012-13 (97% vs 85%, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated a lower number of paracetamol poisonings, a decreased proportion of poisonings involving ingestion of more than 20 g of paracetamol, and a lower occurrence of hepatotoxicity after the regulation. However, circumstances other than pack size restrictions, such as increased public awareness of the danger of paracetamol poisonings, may affect these associations. Furthermore, the study showed that females and males constitute two distinct groups in terms of age and intentional poisoning.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of a regulation in Denmark that limited the amount of paracetamol available without a prescription. The results showed a decrease in the number of paracetamol poisonings and cases involving ingestion of more than 20 g of paracetamol, as well as a lower occurrence of liver toxicity after the regulation. Other factors, such as increased public awareness, may also contribute to these changes. Additionally, the study found distinct differences between females and males in terms of age and intentional poisoning.