The Government's drug watchdog has warned against over the counter painkillers that contain codein since it can become addictive in just three days.

Packs of medicines such as Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine Plus will now have stronger warnings on the risk of dependency written on them.

This step will be taken after a parliamentary report with dangers of drug was released. As many as 27 million packs of codeine-containing painkillers are sold annually in the UK.

Larger packets of drugs containing effervescent codeine will not be available over the counter now but will be sold only on a prescription from a doctor.

Manufacturers have taken voluntary actions to reduce the pack size, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said. Although MHRA added that codeine and dihydrocodeine are safe and effective medicines if taken correctly.

Sheila Kelly, PAGB executive director, said safety was of paramount concern and added that the vast majority of people use codeine containing products correctly and have no need to worry that they are doing themselves any harm.