This study analyzed medical records from over 180,000 people aged 65 and older who had been prescribed paracetamol, comparing their outcomes with more than 400,000 non-users of similar age. Results showed that regular, long-term use was linked to a higher risk of serious complications, including heart failure, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and chronic kidney disease. Lead author Professor Weiya Zhang warned that, despite its reputation for safety, paracetamol’s benefits for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis are relatively small and may not outweigh these potential harms.
The researchers have called for a “careful reconsideration” of using paracetamol as a standard pain relief option in older adults. The findings highlight a growing debate over whether long-term use of the drug should be more closely regulated and better monitored, particularly among vulnerable groups.
To read how recent evidence suggests that paracetamol use during pregnancy may be linked to autism, see this article on our website.
Tylenol, Autism, and the Media Outrage: Who Really Benefits?
October 3, 2025Are Weight Loss Drugs Leading to a Rise in Scurvy?
October 10, 2025Long-Term Paracetamol Use Tied to Potential ‘Serious Complications’ Risk
News
A recent study from the University of Nottingham has raised red flags about the potential risks of prolonged paracetamol use among specific groups.
[Source: express.co.uk]
[Image source: Adobe Stock]
Comment
This study analyzed medical records from over 180,000 people aged 65 and older who had been prescribed paracetamol, comparing their outcomes with more than 400,000 non-users of similar age. Results showed that regular, long-term use was linked to a higher risk of serious complications, including heart failure, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and chronic kidney disease. Lead author Professor Weiya Zhang warned that, despite its reputation for safety, paracetamol’s benefits for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis are relatively small and may not outweigh these potential harms.
The researchers have called for a “careful reconsideration” of using paracetamol as a standard pain relief option in older adults. The findings highlight a growing debate over whether long-term use of the drug should be more closely regulated and better monitored, particularly among vulnerable groups.
To read how recent evidence suggests that paracetamol use during pregnancy may be linked to autism, see this article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
Related posts
Study Links Anti-Anxiety Medication to Increased Risk of Death for Dementia Patients
Read more