Motorists were yesterday warned to be wary of the effects that both over the counter and prescribed medicines can have on their driving.
Speaking after the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) became one of six bodies to sign up to the European Road Safety Charter in Dublin, the pharmacy regulator's president, Brendan Hayes, said that, to raise awareness of the issue, they were preparing a shortlist of medicines that might put people at risk of impairment while driving.
Mr Hayes said over the counter antihistamines, such as Piriton, and codeine-containing preparations such as Nurofen and Solpadeine contain constituents that can impair judgment or cause drowsiness.
Some codeine-based medicines would have the same effect as three-quarters of a pint of alcohol, while two tablets would be the same as 1½ pints in terms of drowsiness.
Certain cough medicines, such as Benylin Dual Action, can also cause drowsiness.
Mr Hayes said prescription drugs like anti-depressants, anti-anxiety tablets and muscle relaxants could also potentially impair driving.
He said the 4,000 pharmacists around the country would continue to inform people of the risks but that he would be visiting each one to remind them of their obligations.
Brian Farrell of the Road Safety Authority said that there should be greater focus on the dangers of drug-driving. "It's not just about illegal or illicit drugs, it's about over the counter and prescription drugs as well. Are people aware that the drugs that they're prescribed and the over the counter drugs they've bought could actually affect driving?"
The PSI yesterday joined An Post, which has 3,000 drivers, AXA Prevention Ireland, Dublin City Council, the Irish Driving Instructors Association and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services in signing up to the European Road Safety Charter.
The charter aims to save 25,000 lives across Europe by 2010 through raising awareness of road safety issues. Bodies that sign up to it agree to take measures to cut road deaths.
"The whole idea behind the charter is that it's not just up to government and government agencies to make the roads safer, it's about local community groups and other organisations getting involved and asking what can we do?," said Mr Farrell.