Common painkillers such as Nurofen Plus and Panadeine could soon require a doctor's prescription after a shock decision by Australia's drug regulator.

From June next year, about 150 codeine products may no longer be available "over-the-counter" at pharmacies.

Nurofen Plus: could be prescription-only. Credit:AAP

Medicines affected include Codral Original Cold and Flu Tablets, Aspalgin Soluble tablets, Mersyndol tablets and a number of cough and cold medications which can be bought at chemists with no current restrictions.

The interim decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration follows escalating concerns over deaths and internal injuries caused by the abuse of popular drugs that mix codeine, a weak but potentially addictive opioid, with ibuprofen or paracetamol.