30830-15It sounds like the stuff dreams are made of partying and boozing all night without waking up with the dreaded hangover.

Now thanks to a little pill from our friends across the pond that fancy could now be a reality.

RU-21, named after the legal drinking age in the US, claims to prevent hangovers, reduce risks of liver damage and even protect your skin from the ravaging effects of alcohol.

But Wiltshire's principal police surgeon Dr Peter Crouch said that while it sounds good, the little wonder pill could lead to all sorts of problems.

He said Swindon police cells are already being used as resting places for drunks who can't remember how to get home and has witnessed an alarming rise in the number of intoxicated people needing medical care following a night on the town.

Since the pills do not stop people feeling drunk or vomiting Dr Crouch said this trend looks set to increase. Dr Crouch, who is also a partner at Taw Hill Surgery, said: "The drug slows down the production of acetaldehyde, which is toxic.

"But it might also slow down the body's normal metabolism of alcohol, leaving more alcohol in the blood.

"This could lead to more people behaving stupidly and dangerously, or drink driving.

"People don't seem to realise if they go out and get bladdered the night before, the chances are they will still be over the limit in the morning.

"This could be even more rife if they feel fine in the morning because they have taken the pill."

One pill, made by US firm Spirit Sciences, should be taken with each drink.

The formula was created by KGB scientists to extract secrets from their enemies during drinking sessions and still see them at work the next day.

"The pill has come at completely the wrong time when binge drinking is such an issue, but that is clever marketing by the manufacturers. It is giving people a false cloak of protection."

Swindon punters are just as sceptical. Peter Jessup, 69, of The Lawns, said it could encourage the young to drink more.

The retired credit manager said: "I'm sure people would think they could drink more than normal.

"I don't trust the Americans and I wouldn't believe it until I tried it. I don't drink enough to need it though."

Security officer George Neild, 59, of The Lawns, said he sees the effects of alcohol all too often in the town centre. "It's leading people astray giving the message it's ok to drink lots."

Barmaid Jo Martin, 25, of Rodbourne, said: "It might mean fewer people take time off work with hangovers though.

"But I'd rather drink a couple of glasses of water at the end of the night than take a pill."

The pill is available from Superdrug stores and costs £4.99 for 20. For more information visit www.ru21.uk.com

Alex Emery