The availability of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sold over the counter (OTC) to the public without prescription has become an issue of major concern in recent years. The problem has been highlighted in the UK, USA and other countries because of the continuing high rates of cases of poisoning and the concern over the switch for many NSAIDs from prescription-only status to OTC sale, brought about, in large part, by governments and health maintenance organisations (especially in the USA) anxious to save on the costs of these drugs. This Symposium, held at the...