Analgesic consumption in the Federal Republic of Germany. The extent and the risk groups

An analysis of still unpublished sales statistics shows that during 1976-1983 the annual sales of all analgesic package units remained relatively stable (about 115 million units per year), while the consumption of large packings mostly preferred by analgesic abusers increased from 8.13 to 11.28 million (units of 100 tablets). The annual per capita consumption of analgesic substances (1983) was 18.2 g. Among these, drugs containing salicylate and phenazone headed the list, whereas phenacetin consumption is increasingly on the downgrade (0.87 g per capita). 95% of all analgesics are used outside of the clinics. Furthermore, 80% of them are purchased on the prescription-free market. High consumption of analgesics can be assumed in 5% of the normal population. Analgesic abuse is more prevalent in women, especially in some industrial areas.