Health Ministry warns of impact from painkillers, cough syrups

by Carol Aloysius

A rising trend in the use of painkillers especially among youth including schoolchildren, has raised concerns among health officials who have warned that there could be lethal effects from the overdose of such drugs.

"Taking a painkiller, cough syrup or any kind of medical drug including even vitamins in excess, can have serious consequences. Even a mild drug such as paracetamol (panadol) or aspirin if taken in excess can have fatal results", a health official from the Poisons Centre at the National Hospital Colombo said.

"Citing an example, he said, "When people, especially the young want to inflict harm on themselves or commit suicide, the common trend is to swallow 15-20 panadols or aspirin, which within 1-2 hours leads to severe toxicity and could be fatal if not treated immediately at the nearest hospital," Prasanna Karunanayake a medical officer attached to the Poisons Centre told the Sunday Observer.

"If they want advice over the phone our hotline is 2686143. It is open from 8a.m to 4 p.m on weekdays, while the Peradeniya Hospital has a 24 hour hotline open at all hours of the day."

He charged that Tramadol, a drug given to counteract pain caused by arthritis which is now a prescription drug mainly available at the State Pharmaceutical Corporation ( SPC) was being sold illegally in the Fort at five times its usual price without a prescription. I've been told there are plenty of takers", he said. He said he did not have the addresses or names of the suppliers. When the Sunday Observer asked if the Cosmetics Devices and Drugs Authority (CDDA) was aware of this illegal trade in the heart of the city, a food inspector attached to the CDDA replied in the negative.

"If it is true it is a serious matter. But we need definite addresses, so that our officers can move in speedily.

Public co-operation is important to eliminate these illegal drugs from the market. If anyone suspects a pharmacy or any individual of selling any drug illegally, they must contact the regional drug inspectors attached to the Regional Director of Health Services Offices."