The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7251 p740
31 May 2003

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Department for Transport: research (more)

Drivers warned over OTC medicines

Over-the-counter medicines have inconsistent and inaccurate labels that pose a danger to drivers, the Department of Transport says.

The Department commissioned research from Loughborough University as part of a programme of research into the effects of drugs on driving. It found that British National Formulary recommended labelling is not always followed by manufacturers and that different manufacturers give differing advice regarding the potential for drowsiness of the same active ingredients.

Some medicines even include different advice on their packaging and information leaflets and few products have well-presented labels, the researchers say. They add that manufacturers should be given better guidelines on these issues and that a standard warning symbol should be considered.

Road safety minister David Jamieson said: "Labelling must be clear and understandable. I understand that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is examining the issue." He added that people should ask a pharmacist if they are in any doubt about medicines and should stop if they feel drowsy when driving.