Paracetamol is perhaps among the most common painkillers in the world. The drug, available without prescription in most pharmacies, can be used to relieve aches, pains and flu-like symptoms.
Yet, scientists at the University of Nottingham have warned that it ‘may not be as safe as perceived’. In a study published recently, they claimed that repeated paracetamol doses in older people can give rise to a worsened risk of heart problems, kidney failure and gastrointestinal complications.
Lead author, Professor Weiya Zhang, explained: “Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications.”
The peer-reviewed analyses looked at the health records of 180,483 people, aged 65 and over, who had been prescribed paracetamol as part of a treatment plan. Results were then compared to another 402,478 similarly aged people who hadn’t been prescribed paracetamol.
Worryingly, the experts found that ‘prolonged paracetamol use’ was associated with a worsened risk of several ‘serious complications’, including heart failure, hypertension, peptic ulcers and chronic kidney disease. They concluded that ‘careful reconsideration’ is necessary in its use as a first-line solution to managing pain.
Professor Zhang reiterated: “Whilst further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered.”
NHS guidance outlines that adults can take two 500mg tablets, fours times in 24 hours and must wait at least four hours between doses. Users should not take more than eight tablets within this period.
If you have liver or kidney problems, drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol per week (14 units), or have an allergy to paracetamol, it may not be suitable for you. Individuals who weigh less than eight stone should also talk to a doctor before taking paracetamol as a lower dose may be required.
For a full list of potential side effects, you should refer to the leaflet inside your medicine packet. The health body adds: “If you’re taking paracetamol for a short-lived pain like a headache, you may only need to take it for a day or two.
“You may need to take paracetamol for longer if you have a long-term health problem that causes pain. It’s safe to take paracetamol regularly for many years, as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.”
if you take frequently, Ibuprofen, it can cause also heart problems, kidney failure and gastrointestinal complications.
Naproxen, dexketroprofen and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often given to you at the pharmacy without a prescription, can be harmful if you use them frequently. In the long term, or at high doses, as they increase the risk of problems such as hypertension, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure or stroke.
