http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.

gov/pubmed/11210057
Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2000 Winter;30(4):313-26.

Use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) for

suicide and nonfatal poisoning: worldwide
patterns of use and misuse.
Gunnell D1, Murray V, Hawton K.

Author information

Abstract

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most frequently used drugs in intentional

overdoses. We have investigated associations between its availability and its use for overdose
and suicide around the world by means of a postal questionnaire and literature review.
Countries that limit the quantity of paracetamol available in a single purchase generally
report lower rates of paracetamol-related morbidity and 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. We
recommend restricting the quantity of drug available as a single purchase as the most
pragmatic means of reducing paracetamol-related suicide and liver failure.

PMID:
11210057
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]