Use of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) for Suicide and Nonfatal Poisoning: Worldwide Patterns of use and Misuse

Associations between the availability of paracetamol & its use for overdose & suicide around the world were investigated by means of a postal questionnaire & literature review. Countries that limit the quantity of paracetamol available in a single purchase generally report lower rates of related morbidity & mortality. National policy decisions regarding restrictions on its availability need to weigh the inconvenience caused to the many who use the drug safely against those of the few in whom overdose may be fatal. The authors recommend restricting the quantity of drug available as a single purchase as the most pragmatic means of reducing paracetamol-related suicide & liver failure. (46 refs.)