A recent study by researchers from the University of Nottingham reveals that prolonged use of paracetamol in individuals aged 65 and above may heighten the risk of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney complications.
The findings, published in Arthritis Care and Research, highlight the need for caution when prescribing repeated doses of paracetamol for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis in older adults.
Led by Professor Weiya Zhang from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University’s School of Medicine, the study analyzed data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink-Gold. It included individuals aged 65 and older, with an average age of 75, registered with UK general practices between 1998 and 2018.
The research examined the health records of 180,483 patients who had received at least two paracetamol prescriptions within six months and compared their outcomes with 402,478 individuals of the same age group who had not been prescribed the drug repeatedly.
Results indicated that prolonged paracetamol use correlated with increased risks of peptic ulcers, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Professor Zhang emphasized the implications of these findings stating:
While further studies are needed to confirm these results, the limited pain-relief benefits of paracetamol warrant careful reconsideration of its use as a first-line treatment for long-term conditions like osteoarthritis in older patients.
Is the study peer reviewed ? Where is proof ? Random studies can be made anytime
Is there any safe alternative?
use herbal medicines