Common Painkiller Linked to Increased Kidney Disease Risk in Seniors, New Study Finds
PARIS, FRANCE – A comprehensive 20-year study has revealed a potential link between regular paracetamol (acetaminophen) use and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, notably among individuals aged 65 and older. The findings, published in Arthritis Care & Research, challenge the widely held perception of paracetamol as a completely safe and well-tolerated pain reliever.
Researchers analyzed health data from over 180,000 regular paracetamol users and compared them to more than 400,000 non-users, tracking outcomes from 1998 to 2018. The study identified a roughly 20% increase in the risk of developing chronic kidney disease in seniors who chronically took the analgesic, with a clear “dose-response” relationship – higher and more frequent consumption correlated with greater risk.
Beyond kidney concerns, the research also indicated increased risks of perforation, ulceration, or bleeding; peptic ulcers; gastrointestinal bleeding; heart failure; and hypertension in those regularly taking paracetamol.
“Despite its apparent safety, paracetamol is associated with several serious complications,” the scientists stated.
Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medications globally, with over 415 million boxes delivered to 43 million patients in a single year.France is currently the largest consumer of paracetamol in Europe, according to Statista. Common brand names include Doliprane©, Dafalgan©, and Efferalgan©.
The study’s authors emphasize the need to “carefully re-evaluate” the use of oral paracetamol as a first-line treatment for chronic conditions in the elderly.
The French National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) reiterates the importance of adhering to recommended usage guidelines: taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, maintaining at least a 4-6 hour interval between doses, and never exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose (generally 3 grams for adults without pre-existing conditions). The ANSM advises consulting a doctor or pharmacist, especially for prolonged treatment.