Paracetamol vs Pethidine hydrochloride
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Paracetamol was dispensed 9,372.2× as often as Pethidine hydrochloride in May 2026 — 1,265,243 items versus 135 in England.
1,265,243items
Paracetamol · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
135items
Pethidine hydrochloride · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Paracetamol versus Pethidine hydrochloride: national items dispensed by month
▬ Paracetamol · ╌ Pethidine hydrochloride
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Paracetamol | Pethidine hydrochloride |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 1,265,243 | 135 |
| Items, last 12 months | 15,709,047 | 1,709 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £5,475,885 | £7,435 |
See the full profile for Paracetamol or Pethidine hydrochloride.