Guidance impact on primary care prescribing rates of simple analgesia: an interrupted time series analysis in England.

Background: In March 2018, NHS England published guidance for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to encourage implementation of policy to reduce primary care prescriptions of over-the-counter medications, including simple analgesia.

Aim: To investigate the impact of guidance publication on prescribing rates of simple analgesia (oral paracetamol, oral ibuprofen, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in primary care; CCG guidance implementation intentions; and whether the guidance has created health inequality based on socioeconomic status.

Design And Setting: Interrupted time series analysis of primary care prescribing data in England.