In November, scientists said paracetamol ‘may not be as safe as perceived’ for certain people
Paracetamol is available without prescription in virtually every pharmacy and supermarket across the country. The drug is praised for clearing all manner of aches, pains and flu symptoms, with 200 million unprescribed packets sold without prescription each year in the UK alone.
However, a recent study from the University of Nottingham has sounded the alarm over potential risks, claiming the drug ‘may not be as safe as perceived’. The research, published last November, warned that repeated doses in elderly patients could heighten the risk of heart, gastrointestinal, and kidney problems.
According to The Express, lead author Professor Weiya Zhang explained at the time: “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.”
As part of their analyses, scientists examined medical records from 180,483 people aged 65 and over who had been prescribed paracetamol and compared them with 402,478 similar-aged people who had not used the medication.
The findings were concerning, indicating that ‘prolonged paracetamol use’ can significantly raise the risk of ‘serious complications’ such as heart failure, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and chronic kidney disease. The research team therefore called for a ‘careful reconsideration’ of prescribing paracetamol as a first-choice treatment for long-term pain management.
Professor Zhang continued: “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.”
NHS guidance states that adults can take two 500mg tablets, four times in 24 hours, with a minimum interval of four hours between doses. It is recommended not to take more than eight tablets within this timeframe.
However, certain people may need to use caution or avoid paracetamol altogether. This includes those with liver or kidney problems, those who consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and people with an allergy to paracetamol or similar medications.
Those who weigh less than eight stone should also consult a doctor before taking paracetamol, as a lower dose may be required. The leaflet inside the medicine packet will provide a comprehensive list of potential side effects.
The NHS adds: “If you’re taking paracetamol for a short-lived pain like a headache, you may only need to take it for a day or two. You may need to take paracetamol for longer if you have a long-term health problem that causes pain.
“It’s safe to take paracetamol regularly for many years, as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.”
Five key facts on paracetamol
The health service has highlighted five key points regarding the painkiller:
- It may not be safe for you to drink alcohol with paracetamol if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
- Paracetamol can take up to an hour to work.
- The usual dose of paracetamol is one or two 500mg tablets at a time, up to four times in 24 hours. The maximum dose is eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours.
- Do not take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol because there is a risk of overdose.
- Paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at recommended doses.
For more information, head to the NHS website here.