Packs of Nurofen Plus tablets have been recalled from wholesale distribution in Ireland as a precautionary measure.

The move follows an alert in the UK after it was discovered that some batches of the ibuprofen and codeine-containing painkiller were found to contain blister strips of Seroquel XL, an anti-psychotic drug.

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) said there was no evidence at this time that the Irish market was affected.

However, as a precautionary measure, manufacturers Reckitt Benckiser have decided to recall from wholesale distribution in Ireland all unexpired packs of Nurofen Plus Tablets, so that they can be checked.

Pharmacists have also been asked to check packs of Nurofen Plus for rogue blister strips. If the packs are unaffected they can be sold.

The IMB says there there have been no adverse events reported as a result of the rogue packs of Nurofen Plus being sold in the UK.

It is believed that the drug switch could be the result of sabotage of the product and police in the UK are looking into the matter.

So far in the UK, four Nurofen Plus packs have been found to contain Seroquel, with one containing an anti-epilepsy drug, Neurontin.