Long-term use of acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, a widely-used painkiller, has been linked to an increased risk of serious complications in older individuals, as per a recent study. This raises concerns about its usage as the primary treatment for chronic conditions.
Acetaminophen is a familiar over-the-counter medication for pain and fever, known by various brand names like Tylenol or Panadol. Despite being considered safe after over 140 years of clinical use, excessive intake can lead to fatal liver failure. The new study from the University of Nottingham reveals additional health risks for individuals aged 65 and above who repeatedly take the drug.
Professor Weiya Zhang, the senior author of the study from NIHR Biomedical Research Center, highlighted the perceived safety of paracetamol in older individuals, who are at a higher risk of drug-related complications. Data from the UK’s Clinical Practice Research Datalink indicated a higher incidence of major adverse events in acetaminophen users compared to non-users in the study.
Prolonged use of acetaminophen was associated with increased risks of various health issues, including gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, kidney failure, heart failure, and high blood pressure. The study suggests a need to reconsider the use of acetaminophen as a first-line painkiller for long-term conditions in older individuals.
Despite limitations in the study related to recording over-the-counter prescriptions, the findings emphasize the need for further research and potentially revising current practices regarding acetaminophen use in older populations. The study was published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
Source: University of Nottingham
