Two painkillers containing dextropropoxyphene would be withdrawn from the market, said New Zealand health officials on Tuesday. The decision was taken after a review showed that their

risks outweighed possible benefits. Paradex tablets and Capadex capsules were no better at treating pain than full-dose paracetamol but caused more side effects than paracetamol. IN addition

to that these were dangerous if taken with alcohol or in overdoses, said Stewart Jessamine, of the Health Ministry's Medsafe division.

Jessamine further said that as about 78,000 New Zealanders were taking the medication, the painkillers would be withdrawn gradually so that patients can switch to alternative treatments.

In other countries, such as Britain and the European Medicines Agency and Singapore, have also announced withdrawals of medicines containing dextropropoxyphene. (With Input from Agencies)