The HSE has again urged members of the public, particularly young people, to avoid taking psychedelic drugs.

Earlier in the week, six young people in Cork were hospitalised after taking a psychoactive drug known as N-Bomb. One of the young people remains in critical condition.

N-Bomb, correctly known as 251-NBOMe, belongs to the 2C family of psychedelic phenethylamine designer drugs, which include drugs with the street names Smiles and Solaris.

According to the HSE, these drugs can be sold in tablet, liquid or powder form and they have a mood altering, and in some cases, an aphrodisiac effect.

However, they can also produce serious side-effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, kidney and gastrointestinal problems.

"Young people are advised that there is no quality control on these drugs. There are problems with purity and contaminants, and there is no way of checking that what is purchased or consumed is the intended substance," the HSE said.

Following the case in Cork, the HSE's addiction service is warning about possibly contaminated pills and is advising people not to consume any substances that are unknown to them.

Anyone with concerns about drugs can contact the confidential HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie. Information is also available here