Medsafe is closely monitoring concerns raised in the United States about side-effects from paracetamol.
The US Food and Drug Administration has been advised to reduce the single maximum dose of the painkiller, as well as the maximum daily dose, because of the risk of side effects, including liver damage.
However, Medsafe group manager Stewart Jessamine said today New Zealand's single dose of paracetamol was 500mg, while the current US single dose was 1000mg.
Paracetamol packs for general sale in New Zealand contained less than 10g per pack, while larger packs were only available over the counter from pharmacies, Dr Jessamine said The largest pack size routinely sold in New Zealand pharmacies contains 100 x 500mg tablets.
In contrast packs of 1000 tablets, with a single dose of 1000mg, were available for general sale in the US.
Medsafe would be seeking further information from the US FDA before determining if any action was needed in New Zealand, Dr Jessamine said.
