Regularly consuming paracetamol, a notorious painkiller, could increase the risk of health problems in people aged 65 and over, according to a study.
- Study finds that repeated doses of paracetamol increase risks of health complications in older people.
- The results show an increased risk of ulcers, hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
- Researchers are calling for a reconsideration of the systematic use of paracetamol as first-line treatment for chronic pain, particularly osteoarthritis.
Is it really safe for health? For decades, paracetamol has been considered a safe choice for relieving common pain, such as headaches, flu-like conditions and painful periods. But researchers from the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) have just published results which call for caution. Their study, published in the journal Arthritis Care and Researchshows in fact that repeated doses of paracetamol could increase the risks of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal complications in seniors.
Paracetamol, a prescription to reconsider?
To reach these conclusions, scientists analyzed the profiles of some 180,000 patients aged 65 or over, who had received at least two paracetamol prescriptions in six months. Their data was compared to that of around 400,000 individuals in the same age group who did not use the drug regularly. The results are clear: regular paracetamol consumers have an increased risk of stomach ulcers, heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Paracetamol is commonly recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, because it is rather well tolerated by older people who often suffer from medication-related complications. “But given its minimal effect on pain and associated risks, the use of paracetamol as a first-line analgesic for seniors needs to be carefully reassessed”say the researchers in a press release.
Inviting elderly patients to consult their doctor to assess the risks associated with prolonged consumption of paracetamol, scientists point out that there are other non-drug options to relieve pain, such as acupuncture, sophrology or even cognitive therapy. -behavioral.
Precautions to take with paracetamol
This is not the first time that this notorious painkiller has been singled out. Regularly taking paracetamol can be harmful to the liver. “In case of overdose, it can lead to serious irreversible liver damage in some cases, alerts the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). The misuse of paracetamol is the leading cause of drug-induced liver transplants in France.
“Used wisely, paracetamol is a safe and effective medicine”, however, reminds the drug agency. Provided that one rule is respected: paracetamol is used at the lowest effective dose possible and for the shortest duration. In adults, you should always start with a dose of 500 mg, repeating if necessary after 4 hours. “In case of more intense pain or fever, you can start by taking 1 gram, leaving an interval of 6 hours between 2 doses”adds the ANSM. You should never exceed 3 grams per day without medical advice. Only a doctor can increase the dose beyond, but never exceed 4 grams.
