Paracetamol, a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) drug, has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal, heart, and kidney complications in individuals aged 65 and above, according to a new study.
This widely-used medication, often considered a safer alternative to other pain relievers, may not be as benign as previously believed, especially for older adults.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, found that paracetamol use in older adults was linked to several health risks, including an increased chance of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, and heart failure.
The findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the long-term use of paracetamol, particularly in elderly populations who may already be vulnerable to such conditions.
The research revealed alarming statistics regarding the gastrointestinal risks of paracetamol use. Specifically, the study found that paracetamol use was associated with a 24% increase in the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding and a 36% increase in the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal bleeding among individuals aged 65 and older.
In addition to gastrointestinal complications, the study also found significant associations between paracetamol usage and other chronic health conditions:
19% higher risk of chronic kidney disease
9% increased risk of heart failure
7% rise in the likelihood of hypertension
These findings emphasize that while paracetamol is often considered a safe and effective treatment for conditions like mild-to-moderate fever and osteoarthritis, its long-term use can contribute to serious health issues for older adults.
The researchers examined the health records of over 180,000 individuals aged 65 and above who had been prescribed paracetamol more than twice within a six-month period. These records were compared to those of 402,478 individuals of the same age group who had not been repeatedly prescribed the medication.
The study spanned a period of over two decades, from 1998 to 2018, and all participants were registered with a UK general practitioner for at least one year. The comprehensive dataset allowed the researchers to evaluate the long-term effects of repeated paracetamol use in elderly individuals and provided a robust comparison with non-users.
The study's findings suggest that paracetamol use, particularly among elderly individuals, may not be as safe as previously assumed. The research calls for a reevaluation of the medication's use in the elderly population, especially given the high occurrence of adverse effects such as renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal complications.
Weiya Zhang, the lead researcher from the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine, stated, "Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first-line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines." However, this new evidence raises questions about the safety of this recommendation, particularly for those over the age of 65.
While paracetamol is widely regarded as a safer alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially for older adults suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, this study emphasizes that its long-term usage may not be without risks. For elderly individuals, the potential for developing complications such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding could outweigh the benefits of using paracetamol for pain relief.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to reconsider the prescription practices surrounding paracetamol, particularly for older adults who may be at higher risk for these serious health conditions. Patients should consult their doctors before continuing long-term use of the drug, especially if they already have underlying health issues.
This study serves as an important reminder of the potential health risks of paracetamol, especially for elderly users. While it is still widely used for treating mild pain and fever, it is crucial for medical professionals and patients alike to be aware of its potential long-term effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems.
As the findings from the University of Nottingham suggest, there is an urgent need for further research and careful reassessment of paracetamol's safety profile for elderly adults.