Blood pressure warning issued over long-term use of paracetamol

A study suggests people with high blood pressure who take paracetamol on prescription could be increasing their risk of strokes and heart attacks.

 

The researchers at the University of Edinburgh say doctors should think about the benefits and risks to patients taking the drug over many months, although they stress that taking the painkiller for fevers and headaches is safe.

 

Paracetamol is commonly used worldwide as a short-term remedy for aches and pains, but is also prescribed to manage chronic pain, despite little evidence of it’s benefit for long-term use.

 

The trial tracked 110 volunteers, two- thirds of whom were taking drugs for high blood pressure.  In the trial, they were asked to take 1g of paracetamol four times a day for two weeks, and then placebo pills for another two weeks.

 

The trial showed paracetamol increased blood pressure, “one of the most important risk factors for heart attacks and strokes”, much more than a placebo, Professor James Dear, Edinburgh clinical pharmacologist, said.

 

The British Heart Foundation, which funded the study, said doctors and patients should regularly reconsider whether any medication, even something “relatively harmless like paracetamol” was needed.

 

The Stroke Association’s Dr Richard Francis, said further research in people with normal, healthy blood pressure, over a longer period of time, was needed “to confirm the risks and benefits of using paracetamol more widely”.

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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