New research from the United Kingdom reveals that excessive use of acetaminophen—commonly known as Tylenol—may pose significant health risks for older adults.
The study highlights potential dangers for seniors who rely on the widely used painkiller to manage chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, the study investigated the effects of repeated acetaminophen use among individuals aged 65 and older. Researchers found that prolonged use of the drug was associated with increased risks of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney complications.
Common Pain Relief with Hidden Dangers
Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is also a key ingredient in many cold and flu remedies.
The drug works by blocking pain signals in the brain and regulating body temperature. Evidence suggests that it also inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are substances the body produces to respond to illness and injury.
Weiya Zhang, a researcher at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre within the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine, led the study. “Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol [acetaminophen] 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,” Zhang explained in a university press release.
Study Findings
The study analyzed health data from more than 180,400 seniors who had been prescribed acetaminophen repeatedly—defined as more than twice within six months. Their outcomes were compared to nearly 402,500 individuals of the same age who had not been prescribed the medication on a repeated basis.
The results were striking. Seniors who took acetaminophen repeatedly experienced a:
- 36% increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- 20% increased risk of peptic ulcers
- 9% increased risk of heart failure
- 7% increased risk of hypertension
- 19% increased risk of chronic kidney disease
These findings suggest that the prolonged use of acetaminophen may contribute to a range of
serious health issues among older adults.
Rethinking Pain Management for Seniors
While acetaminophen has been regarded as a safer alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, this study calls for a reassessment of its role in pain management for seniors.
“Whilst further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first-line painkiller for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered,” Zhang noted.
The study serves as a reminder for seniors and their healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits of acetaminophen use, particularly for long-term management of chronic pain.
Exploring alternative therapies or medications may help reduce the likelihood of adverse effects while maintaining effective pain relief.