Paracetamol, one of the most commonly used painkillers in Pakistan and other parts of the world, has been linked to serious health risks in elderly individuals, according to a recent study.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham raised concerns about the potential dangers of long-term paracetamol use in older adults, suggesting it could lead to heart and kidney problems.
Read more: Gym Equipment Has More Bacteria Than Toilet Seats, Study Finds
Published in Arthritis Care and Research, the study calls for caution when prescribing this painkiller to those aged 65 and above.
The study revealed that frequent paracetamol use may increase the risk of peptic ulcers, heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Analyzing the health records of over 180,000 older adults who were prescribed paracetamol repeatedly from 1998 to 2018, the study found a strong link between prolonged use and these severe health issues.
While more research is needed to validate these findings, researchers cautioned that the limited pain-relief benefits of paracetamol might not justify its risks for older adults, particularly those with long-term health conditions.
The study also recommended reconsidering paracetamol as the first treatment option for elderly patients or those with multiple health concerns.
