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Paracetamol can be acquired without a prescription from nearly every chemist and supermarket throughout Britain. The drug is renowned for alleviating various types of discomfort, pain, and symptoms associated with the flu, with 200 million non-prescription packets sold annually in the UK.
However, research from the University of Nottingham has recently sparked concerns over its safety, suggesting it ‘may not be as safe as perceived.’ The study, published last November, cautioned that regular doses in elderly patients could heighten the risk of heart, gastrointestinal, and kidney problems.
According to The Express, lead author Professor Weiya Zhang elucidated back then: “Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has been recommended as the primary drug treatment for osteoarthritis by numerous treatment guidelines, particularly in older individuals who are more vulnerable to drug-related complications.”
In their research, the team scrutinized medical records from 180,483 individuals aged 65 and older who had been prescribed paracetamol, comparing them with 402,478 similarly aged people who had not used the medication.
The results were troubling, suggesting that ‘prolonged paracetamol use’ might considerably increase the risk of ‘serious complications,’ including heart failure, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and chronic kidney problems.
Scientists therefore called for a ‘careful reconsideration’ of employing paracetamol as a standard choice for prescribed long-term pain relief.
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Professor Zhang added: “While additional research is now necessary to verify our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a primary painkiller for long-term conditions like osteoarthritis in older people must be carefully reevaluated.”
NHS guidance indicates that adults may consume two 500mg tablets up to four times daily, ensuring at least four hours between each dose. It is advised not to exceed eight tablets within a 24-hour period.
Nevertheless, certain people should exercise caution or completely avoid paracetamol. This encompasses people with liver or kidney issues, those consuming more than 14 units of alcohol weekly, and people allergic to paracetamol or comparable medicines.
Anyone weighing under eight stone should also seek medical advice before using paracetamol as a reduced dosage might be necessary. For a complete overview of possible side effects, patients are urged to check the information leaflet contained within the medication packaging.
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 outlined five main points about the painkiller:
- 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.
- 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.
Visit the NHS website here for more information.
