Paracetamol linked to side effects in digestive tract, heart, kidneys: Study

Using paracetamol may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by 19 percent, heart failure by 9 percent, and hypertension by 7 percent, the research found. (Representational image)

Paracetamol, a common over-the-counter medication, may increase the risk of gastrointestinal, heart- and kidney-related complications among adults aged 65 and above, a new study has found.

Taken commonly for treating mild-to-moderate fever, paracetamol is also the first drug recommended for treating osteoarthritis -- a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints due to wear-and-tear -- as it is considered effective, relatively safe and accessible.

However, some studies have provided evidence to contest the effectiveness of paracetamol in relieving pain while others have shown increased risks of gastrointestinal side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, from prolonged use.

The latest study, conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham, UK, found that paracetamol use was linked to a 24 percent and 36 percent increase in the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding (bleeding due to an ulcer in the digestive tract) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, respectively.

Taking the drug may also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by 19 percent, heart failure by 9 percent, and hypertension by 7 percent.

"This study shows a significant incidence of renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal side effects in older people, who are prescribed acetaminophen (paracetamol) repeatedly in the UK," the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research.

"Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications," said lead researcher Weiya Zhang from the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine.

"Whilst further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered," Zhang said.

For their analysis, the researchers looked at health records of 1.80 lakh people repeatedly prescribed paracetamol (more than two prescriptions within six months). Their health outcomes were compared to those of 4.02 lakh people of the same age who were never prescribed paracetamol repeatedly. The participants were aged 65 and over (average age 75) and had been registered with a UK general practitioner for at least a year between 1998 and 2018.

Particular batch of metronidazole, paracetamol tablets 'not of standard quality': Govt 

Last week, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that a particular batch of Metronidazole 400 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg tablets made by Hindustan Antibiotic Limited and Karnataka Antibiotic and Pharmaceuticals Limited, respectively have been found to be "not of standard quality" during testing.

As informed by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, both Hindustan Antibiotic Limited and Karnataka Antibiotic and Pharmaceuticals Limited have withdrawn/replaced the requisite 'Not of Standard Quality' (NSQ) stocks to the consignee with fresh stocks, Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply.

(With inputs from PTI)