Frequent Use of Paracetamol Linked to Serious Health Risks in Older Adults
Paracetamol is commonly used to relieve headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, and fever caused by colds or flu. However, a recent study has raised concerns about its potential side effects, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older, revealing risks to the stomach, heart, and kidneys.
According to the research conducted by the University of Nottingham, the use of paracetamol significantly increases the risk of peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The study found that the likelihood of bleeding from peptic ulcers rose by 24%, while lower gastrointestinal bleeding risk increased by 36%.
Additionally, chronic paracetamol use was associated with a 19% higher risk of chronic kidney disease, a 9% increase in heart attack risk, and a 7% increase in high blood pressure risk.
The study, published in the Arthritis Care and Research journal, focused on the adverse effects of paracetamol use in older adults, particularly those prescribed the drug repeatedly for conditions like osteoarthritis. Researchers analyzed the health records of 180,483 individuals who were frequently prescribed paracetamol, comparing their outcomes with 402,478 people of the same age who did not receive repeated prescriptions for the medication.
Dr. Weiya Zhang from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine stated that paracetamol has long been recommended as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, especially in older adults who are at higher risk of complications from other drugs. However, the findings suggest that the drug’s safety profile in this demographic needs closer scrutiny.
Dr. Zhang emphasized the need for further research to confirm these results and called for a more cautious approach when prescribing paracetamol for osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions in elderly patients.
The study utilized data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold, analyzing health records of participants aged 65 and above who were registered with UK general practitioners between 1998 and 2018 for at least one year.
Experts recommend that older adults and those frequently prescribed paracetamol consult their healthcare providers to evaluate the risks and benefits, exploring alternative treatments where necessary to minimize potential health complications.
