The pharmacy regulator is to issue guidelines to the country's 4,000 pharmacists to help them warn their patients about the possible effects of certain medication on drivers.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSCI) said it was issuing the guidelines to all 1,600 pharmacies throughout the Republic to remind patients and members of the public of potential risks of both medicine and alcohol when used in conjunction with one another.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland is to issue guidelines to pharmacists to advise on effects of medication on drivers.Image: Brenda Fitsimons.
So-called drug driving, where a motorist's faculties may be impaired due to the presence of one or more legal or illegal medications in their system has become an increasing cause for concern. It is believed that a significant number of drivers who are stopped for drink-driving also have at least one other drug or medication in their system.
Drugs that commonly cause drowsiness include certain medications to treat hayfever and sinus problems.
The PSI said there has been evidence for some time of drivers testing positive for one or more drugs.
"A report in the current issue of the Irish Medical Journal said it has been established that at any one time, 9 to 10 per cent of the working population are using drugs that can impair a person's judgment," the body said in a statement.
"The Medical Bureau of Road Safety in Ireland has found in samples taken from apprehended drivers that of those who tested negative for alcohol, 68 per cent of specimens were positive for one or more drugs. Some medications can result in slower reaction times, impairment of judgment, more frequent errors and higher accident rates."
The PSI has placed on its website a list of the types of medicines that can cause delayed reaction times.
Brendan Hayes, PSI president said the body is supporting an initiative by the Road Safety Authority to adopt the European Road Safety Charter for Ireland. The PSI and the RSA have had discussions since earlier this year on the active role pharmacists can play in respect of road safety, Mr Hayes said.
He added that the professional advice of pharmacists is easily available to members of the public.
"Pharmacists are in a position to identify for their patients and members of the public medicines that pose a risk to road users if used inappropriately or incorrectly," Mr Hayes said.
"As the regulator of pharmacists and pharmacies, we will actively encourage the sector to provide advice and counsel to patients on how medication impairs or may impair the safe, effective and proper use of public highways and roadways by all users of medicines."
Pharmacists will be asked to point out to their patients and members of the public where any medicines they are taking are labelled to cause drowsiness as a side-effect.
"Pharmacists have a unique opportunity in their professional interface with patients and members of the public to give their guidance on the effective and proper use of medicines whether prescribed by doctors or pharmacists," Mr Hayes said.
A series of national and regional meetings for pharmacists later this year will be used to highlight the issues as part of the overall awarness campaign.