Paracetamol, a widely used over-the-counter medication, has been linked to a higher likelihood of gastrointestinal, heart, and kidney complications in individuals aged 65 and older, according to a recent study.

Often used to manage mild to moderate fever, paracetamol is also the primary treatment recommended for osteoarthritis-a chronic condition characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by wear and tear. It is generally regarded as effective, affordable, and relatively safe.

However, some research challenges its pain-relief efficacy, while other studies highlight an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and bleeding, particularly with long-term use.

Key Findings From Recent Studies

A recent study by researchers at the University of Nottingham, UK, has revealed that paracetamol use is associated with a 24% higher risk of peptic ulcer bleeding (bleeding caused by ulcers in the digestive tract) and a 36% higher risk of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

The findings also suggest that taking paracetamol may increase the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease by 19%, heart failure by 9%, and hypertension by 7%.

"The study highlights a notable incidence of renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal side effects in older adults who are repeatedly prescribed acetaminophen (paracetamol) in the UK," the authors wrote in their paper, published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research.

Research Methodology and Additional Insights

The researchers analyzed the health records of 180,483 individuals who had been prescribed paracetamol multiple times (at least two prescriptions within six months) during the study period. Their health outcomes were compared with those of 402,478 people of the same age who had never been repeatedly prescribed paracetamol.

The study analyzed data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink-Gold, focusing on participants aged 65 and older (average age of 75) who had been registered with a UK general practitioner for at least one year between 1998 and 2018.

Additionally, a 2016 study published in The Lancet reviewed data from 76 randomized trials conducted between 1980 and 2015, involving a total of 58,451 patients. Researchers from the University of Bern concluded that paracetamol failed to meet the minimum threshold for effective pain relief or improve physical function in patients suffering from knee and hip osteoarthritis.