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The study has shown that side effects of taking paracetamol daily are an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and early death.
However, as per the new reviews, it is observed that long-term use of paracetamol is linked with a small risk of heart attack, gastrointestinal bleeds, and impaired kidney function.
It is important to remember that since these are observational studies, the sources can be biassed. Therefore, the studies can be highly variable. For instance, four studies included female nurses, one male doctor, a person with kidney disease, and adults prescribed paracetamol. The studies also examine highly variable paracetamol exposure, for example, days of use in a month or number of prescriptions.
Thus, it provides a mixed group of study design and results which can be impacted by various factors such as inaccurate intake estimations or health conditions between users and non-users of paracetamol.
Since the drug is used by millions for fever, headache etc., finding side effects of taking paracetamol daily, with the high dosage, the effect can increase. Therefore, further investigation is needed in this aspect.
When paracetamol is taken as prescribed by doctors, it is effective for adults and children in treating severe to mild pain and fever. However, you should never cross the dosage limit within 24 hours. Taking one or two more tablets than the prescribed dosage can lead to severe liver damage and even worse consequences. Overconsumption of paracetamol is the leading cause of liver damage.
If you have to use paracetamol daily, try to talk to your physician. They may provide you with some better and more effective options.
As per the studies done by medical researchers, it has been concluded that: 63% more likely to die suddenly” and the “risk of heart attack or stroke 68% higher”. However, the report includes a variable mix of studies.
The studies with different risk figures are considered individually, taking into account study design, methods and potential biases. Therefore, it does not apply to the general population.
For instance, a 63% figure for mortality accounted for adults prescribed paracetamol with the highest number of repeats and the shortest gap between them. The 68% figure was for female nurses taking more than 15 tablets of paracetamol weekly.
The research was based on a structured review of observational studies focused on studying the side effects of taking paracetamol daily. It is well known that paracetamol is one of the most used over-the-counter medicine and prescription painkillers.
Painkillers are generally considered safer than other painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, health professionals and patients must know about the drug’s harm. Unfortunately, the recent update of paracetamol is not available. Therefore the study aims at this gap.
In the systematic review, all the available studies that review the effects of the treatment are gathered. The findings are generally limited. Randomised control trial is an excellent way to look for the harms and benefits of the treatment. But it is not moral to have one person take a daily dose of paracetamol for a longer time.
The observational studies can help review the adverse effects of paracetamol. However, the result can always be influenced by factors such as health differences between people. For example, people with poor health are more likely to get channelled on to some drug than those with good health.
Two databases up to May 2013 were taken to review observational studies in men above 18 years. They examined the adverse effect of standard oral paracetamol dosage (0.5 to 1 g at 4 to 6 hours with 4 g dosage as maximum).
The outcomes were mainly mortality, a cardiovascular effect that is a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal effects, and kidney effects such as poor kidney infiltration rate, blood chemistry, and dialysis.
Out of various studies, eight met the inclusion criteria, all being cohort studies. The sample size ranges from 801 to 382,404 participants. The studies included the population of:
The studies also examine the level of exposure compared with non-use. Some studies look at the number of uses per month. At the same time, others look for lifetime intake in grams. The gap between the dosage is also reviewed, and another looked at the number of pills taken in 14 years.
The following were the outcomes of the studies:
If you want more info on the outcomes of the studies related to paracetamol’s side effects, come to Ujala Cygnus Hospital. Not only can our expert help you with the instructions for paracetamol instructions, but it also helps you evade the side effects due to overconsumption of the medication.
The response of dosage seen in most of the studies showed a significant degree of paracetamol toxicity, significantly if the dosage is increased above the standard dose. However, researchers conclude that the result may be impacted by bias.
The study reviews eight observational databases to look into the adverse side effects of taking paracetamol daily. In an area where up-to-date information is lacking, the study informs patients and health professionals about the potential harm of paracetamol.
The study was conducted on a large population to provide evidence on the association of paracetamol with the cardiovascular system, kidney and gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately, it also showed an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
The important thing is to interpret these findings in the right context. The eight studies involved a variable mix of different populations, study duration and prescription of paracetamol. Most of the studies reported results came from individual studies that benefit from being interpreted ideally. For example, the 68% risk figure was reported for female nurses taking more than 15 pills daily.
The findings of these studies can influence various factors, such as the difference between non-users and users of paracetamol.
The increased gastrointestinal bleed is associated with increased paracetamol use. However, it is for the study where people were prescribed paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen is associated with gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it can happen that people who need to take more paracetamol may also need to take more ibuprofen. That is because it influences the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Other studies included people with chronic diseases that can increase their risk of cardiovascular ailment, poor kidney functionality, and mortality. Above all, it can also cause them to take more painkillers.
It is not well known how well these studies take into account potential health and lifestyle differences which are linked with increased paracetamol use and adverse health outcomes.
The inaccuracy can also occur due to the estimation of paracetamol intake. For example, one can not exactly estimate how many grams of paracetamol they have taken in a lifetime or how many pills have been taken in 14 years.
However, without any doubt, the findings about the potential side effects of taking paracetamol daily, especially at higher doses, need further investigation and cannot be neglected.
Paracetamol is known as one of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate pain and fever in both adults and children. However, it is essential to regulate the dosage of the medicine carefully. Within 24 hours, the prescription should not exceed its maximum limit. If you have any kind of doubt, it is best to consult your general physician. They can help examine your condition and provide the best alternative.
If you are experiencing complications or side effects related to paracetamol overconsumption, visit the experts at Ujala Cygnus Hospital. We have the latest facilities, advanced technologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure, and our experts are also recognised among the best doctors in the country. So book an appointment with our experts today!
One of the hallmarks of our facility is the inclusion of 6 state-of-the-art critical care units.
These units are dedicated to ensuring that patients facing severe and life-threatening conditions receive immediate and specialized care.
Additionally, our 8-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with the latest technology to monitor and manage patients who require intensive medical attention.
Patients can also benefit from the spacious general beds while they recover.
One of the hallmarks of our facility is the inclusion of 6 state-of-the-art critical care units.
These units are dedicated to ensuring that patients facing severe and life-threatening conditions receive immediate and specialized care.
Additionally, our 8-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with the latest technology to monitor and manage patients who require intensive medical attention.
Patients can also benefit from the spacious general beds while they recover.