Paracetamol, a popular over-the-counter medication known for treating mild-to-moderate fever and pain, has long been regarded as safe and effective. However, emerging research reveals potential health risks, particularly among adults aged 65 and older. Recent studies according to PTI suggest that prolonged use of the drug may increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal, heart, and kidney complications in this demographic.
Paracetamol is commonly prescribed for Osteoarthritis
Paracetamol is frequently recommended as the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, a chronic condition causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling due to wear and tear. It is preferred for its perceived safety and accessibility. Despite this, its effectiveness in managing osteoarthritis pain has come under scrutiny.
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A 2016 study published in The Lancet analyzed data from 76 randomized trials involving 58,451 knee and hip osteoarthritis patients. Researchers from the University of Bern found that paracetamol failed to provide adequate pain relief or improve physical function in these patients. This raises questions about its role as the primary medication for such conditions.
New study highlight health risks
In a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham, UK, paracetamol use was linked to an increased risk of several serious health conditions among older adults. The study, published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, analyzed health records of 1,80,483 (1.8 lakh) individuals aged 65 and above who were repeatedly prescribed the drug. Their health outcomes were compared to 4,02,478 (4.02 lakh) individuals of the same age who were not prescribed paracetamol repeatedly.
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According to the findings:
Gastrointestinal Risks: Paracetamol use was associated with a 24% higher risk of peptic ulcer bleeding and a 36% increased risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Kidney and Cardiovascular Risks: Chronic kidney disease risk rose by 19%, heart failure by 9%, and hypertension by 7%.
Lead researcher Weiya Zhang from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine emphasized the importance of these findings. “This study shows a significant incidence of renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects in older people, who are prescribed acetaminophen (paracetamol) repeatedly in the UK,” Zhang said.
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Safety vs Effectiveness
Despite its long-standing reputation as a safe medication, evidence suggests that paracetamol may not be the best option for long-term pain management in older adults. “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,” Zhang explained.
However, Zhang also noted that the minimal pain-relief effect of paracetamol warrants a re-evaluation of its use. “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,” he added.
What’s next?
The findings underscore the importance of further research to confirm these risks and explore alternative pain management strategies for older adults. Healthcare professionals may need to reconsider the routine use of paracetamol, particularly for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, where its benefits appear limited.
While paracetamol remains an accessible and widely used medication, its potential side effects-especially for those aged 65 and above-must not be overlooked. Doctors and patients should weigh the risks and benefits more carefully when considering this common drug.
