Paracetamol can be purchased without a prescription from virtually every chemist and supermarket across Britain. The medication is celebrated for relieving different types of discomfort, pain and flu-related symptoms, with 200 million unprescribed packets sold each year in the UK.
Nevertheless, research from the University of Nottingham recently raised alarm bells regarding its safety, suggesting it ‘may not be as safe as perceived’. The study published last November warned that regular doses in elderly patients may increase the risk of heart, gastrointestinal, and kidney issues.
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.”
Within their investigation, the research team examined medical records from 180,483 people aged 65 and over who had been prescribed paracetamol, contrasting them with 402,478 similar-aged people who hadn’t used the medication.
The findings were alarming, indicating that ‘prolonged paracetamol use’ may significantly elevate the risk of ‘serious complications’ such as heart failure, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and chronic kidney issues.
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 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 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.