Paracetamol vs Pethidine hydrochloride
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Paracetamol was dispensed 10,189.8× as often as Pethidine hydrochloride in April 2026 — 1,314,479 items versus 129 in England.
1,314,479items
Paracetamol · April 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
129items
Pethidine hydrochloride · April 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 April 2026
| Measure | Paracetamol | Pethidine hydrochloride |
|---|---|---|
| Items, April 2026 | 1,314,479 | 129 |
| Items, last 12 months | 15,777,004 | 1,729 |
| Net ingredient cost, April 2026 | £5,693,331 | £7,951 |
See the full profile for Paracetamol or Pethidine hydrochloride.