Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have uncovered an unexpected effect of acetaminophen, one of the world’s most commonly used pain relief medications.
When administered intravenously, particularly in hospital settings, acetaminophen can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This finding is especially relevant for critically ill patients, where maintaining stable blood pressure is vital.
Acetaminophen, often known by brand names like Tylenol, is widely recognized for its ability to relieve headaches and minor aches. It is typically taken as a pill, but in hospitals, it is often delivered intravenously to patients who cannot swallow pills.
This method of administration bypasses the usual metabolic process in the liver, leading to a different set of effects.
The study revealed that intravenous acetaminophen affects potassium channels in blood vessels, which play a critical role in regulating blood pressure.
This interaction can cause blood pressure to drop, a side effect observed in about 60% of critically ill patients receiving the drug intravenously. Of these, one-third required medical intervention to stabilize their blood pressure.
To better understand this effect, researchers conducted experiments on rats. They found that drugs blocking these potassium channels could prevent the blood pressure drop associated with intravenous acetaminophen.
This insight may pave the way for strategies to mitigate the side effect in vulnerable patients.
It’s important to note that acetaminophen remains a generally safe and effective medication when used correctly. Healthcare providers are aware of this potential side effect, especially in hospital settings, and weigh the benefits of the drug against the risk of temporary blood pressure changes.
For most patients, the benefits of acetaminophen—such as its pain-relieving properties and wide availability—far outweigh this risk.
However, this research highlights the importance of understanding how the method of drug delivery can influence its effects on the body.
Intravenous administration changes the way acetaminophen is processed, leading to the production of chemicals that directly affect blood vessel function.
This differs from oral administration, which involves metabolism primarily in the liver and does not produce the same blood pressure-lowering effect.
The study, led by Thomas Qvistgaard Jepps and published in Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, underscores the need for caution when using intravenous acetaminophen in critically ill patients.
For individuals managing their blood pressure or concerned about medication side effects, this research reinforces the importance of following prescribed doses and understanding how medications are administered.
For hospitals and healthcare professionals, these findings offer valuable insights into optimizing care for patients who require intravenous acetaminophen, particularly those with preexisting conditions or critical illnesses.
As researchers continue to explore the complexities of drug metabolism and delivery methods, this discovery serves as a reminder of the nuanced effects even familiar medications can have under different circumstances.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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