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A recent study from the University of Nottingham, UK, has raised concerns about the long-term use of paracetamol among older people.
Published in the journal “Arthritis Care and Research”, the study suggests that this widely used over-the-counter medication for mild-to-moderate pain relief may be associated with significant health risks, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older.
The research found that prolonged paracetamol use is linked to a 24% increased risk of peptic ulcer bleeding (bleeding caused by ulcers in the digestive tract) and a 36% higher risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
Moreover, it was associated with a 19% increased risk of chronic kidney disease, a 9% higher likelihood of heart failure, and a 7% increased risk of hypertension.
“This study highlights a significant incidence of renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal side effects in older adults repeatedly prescribed acetaminophen (paracetamol) in the UK,” the researchers stated.
Lead author Weiya Zhang, from the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine, said that paracetamol has long been recommended as the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis due to its perceived safety, particularly for older individuals who face greater risks from other drug-related complications.
“While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the minimal pain-relief benefits of paracetamol warrant reconsideration of its use as a first-line treatment for long-term conditions like osteoarthritis in older adults,” Zhang added.
