hangover cureA widely used over-the-counter drug may increase the risk of gastrointestinal, heart and kidney complications in adults ages 65 and older, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Nottingham, UK. Is.

While paracetamol is commonly prescribed to reduce mild to moderate pain and fever, paracetamol is also a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. This chronic condition, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling due to wear and tear, often requires ongoing management. Paracetamol has long been considered safe, effective and accessible, making it a popular choice for elderly patients. However, growing evidence, especially in senior citizens, questions the safety and effectiveness of the drug for long-term use.

The latest research, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, found that long-term paracetamol use significantly increases the risk of serious health complications in older adults:

The risk of peptic ulcer bleeding (bleeding due to ulcers in the digestive tract) increases by 24 percent.

36 percent higher chance of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

The risk of chronic kidney disease is 19 percent higher.

9 percent increase in risk of heart failure.

A 7 percent increase in the chance of high blood pressure (hypertension).

“This study shows a significant incidence of renal, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects in older people who are repeatedly prescribed acetaminophen (paracetamol),” the researchers said.

The analysis used health records of more than 1.8 lakh individuals aged 65 and older who were prescribed paracetamol more than twice within a six-month period. Their results were compared with 4.02 lakh individuals in the same age group who were not given frequent paracetamol prescriptions. All data were taken from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink-GOLD database, covering the period between 1998 and 2018. The average age of the participants was 75 years, and all had been registered with a UK general practitioner for at least one year.

Lead researcher Dr Weiya Zhang, from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, stressed the importance of re-evaluating the role of paracetamol in the management of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. “Because of its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended by many treatment guidelines as a first-line drug for osteoarthritis, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications,” said Zhang. “

“Although further research is needed to confirm our findings, the minimal pain-relieving effect of paracetamol warrants careful consideration before prescribing it as a first-line treatment for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older adults,” said Zhang. highlights the need to do so.”

The study builds on earlier findings that questioned the effectiveness of paracetamol. A 2016 study published in The Lancet analyzed 76 randomized trials involving 58,451 patients and concluded that paracetamol failed to relieve minimal levels of pain or improve physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. .

Given these findings, experts recommend that elderly patients explore alternative pain management options under medical guidance. Strategies to reduce the risks associated with paracetamol include:

– Limiting long-term use: Avoid long-term dependence on paracetamol unless necessary.

-Monitoring dose: Stick to the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period.

– Lifestyle changes: Include low-impact exercise, weight management, and physical therapy to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

– Regular health checkups: Monitor kidney function, blood pressure and gastrointestinal health for early detection of potential complications.

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