Paracetamol, which is also called acetaminophen, is one of the most common medicines people take when they have pain or a fever.
You can find it in almost any home. Whether it’s a headache, back pain, or just feeling unwell, many people turn to paracetamol for relief.
It is cheap, easy to buy without a doctor’s prescription, and is generally seen as safe.
Doctors often suggest paracetamol for people with long-term pain, such as those with arthritis. It has been viewed as safer than other painkillers like ibuprofen, especially for people with high blood pressure or heart problems.
In the past, some painkillers called NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) were found to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart problems. So, many doctors started recommending paracetamol instead. It was believed to be the safer option for the heart. But new research now questions this belief.
A study from the University of Edinburgh has found that paracetamol may not be as harmless as we once thought, especially for people with high blood pressure. The researchers studied 110 people who already had high blood pressure.
They split the participants into two groups. One group took paracetamol four times a day, which is a typical dose. The other group took a placebo—a pill that looked the same but had no medicine in it.
The goal was to see whether paracetamol alone could change blood pressure levels. The result was surprising. People who took paracetamol had a clear increase in blood pressure compared to those who took the fake pill. This increase was similar to what doctors had seen in people taking NSAIDs.
High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder. Over time, this can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes.
Even a small rise in blood pressure can increase these risks by about 20%. So, if paracetamol causes this kind of rise, it could mean trouble for people who already have heart issues.
Dr. James Dear, one of the researchers, warned that people should think carefully about using paracetamol long-term. He explained that although this medicine is trusted by millions, it might still have hidden risks, especially for those already facing heart-related conditions.
This doesn’t mean everyone should stop taking paracetamol right away. If you only use it once in a while, it’s likely still safe.
But if you take it every day for chronic pain, especially if you have high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They may help you find safer options, adjust your dose, or suggest other ways to deal with pain.
Taking care of your overall health is also important. Regular exercise, eating healthy food, and seeing your doctor regularly can all help you manage both pain and blood pressure. Sometimes, non-drug treatments like physical therapy or relaxation techniques can also reduce pain.
This new research reminds us that even common, trusted medicines can have side effects. It’s always smart to stay informed and ask questions, especially if you’re using a medicine often. Your doctor can help you find the best and safest way to manage your health.
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