Painkiller side effect warning as paracetamol and ibuprofen may lead to strokes
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are some of the most common medications people take to treat pain - but since they are powerful drugs, it is important to always stick to the recommended doses.
These two medicines have a similar goal - taking away your symptoms of pain - but have different mechanisms of action you should be aware of. Paracetamol is a mild painkiller that can also reduce fever - and is recommended if you have toothache, headaches, joint and muscle pain such as mild arthritis.
It does not need to be taken after food and can usually be taken with other medications. Paracetamol is most commonly taken as a 500mg capsule or 500mg tablet but is also available in liquid form for children and can be given intravenously in hospitals.
One of the serious side effects painkillers can cause is heart attack (Getty Images)Ibuprofen can be used in a similar way as paracetamol, but the main difference is it reduces inflammation, explains London Doctors Clinic. It is a type of drug known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and although the pain-reducing effect will occur shortly after taking it, the anti-inflammatory component can take weeks to work optimally.
This drug can be taken in capsules, tablets, sprays, gels and creams. The gel is typically used to treat back pain and muscle pain as it can provide effective, local relief pain.
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Paracetamol very rarely causes side effects if you take it at the right dosage, explains the NHS, but taking painkillers long-term could put you at risk dangerous side effects including allergic reactions, liver and kidney damage. In rare cases, they may also cause problems with circulation such as heart failure, heart attacks and strokes.
A study carried out by the University of Edinburgh in 2022 found a worrying link between regular paracetamol use and heightened blood pressure. It involved 110 patients with a history of blood pressure being prescribed one gram of paracetamol four times a day - a dose often prescribed to patients with chronic pain - or a placebo pill for two weeks.
Researchers found that participants taking paracetamol saw a significant increase in their blood pressure - similar to that seen with NSAIDs. Because of this, scientists recommended that people who take paracetamol long-term should opt for the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible amount of time.
Last month, Dr Semiya Aziz explained that there is a link between the painkiller and high blood pressure, meaning that heart attack and stroke risk could be higher if taken regularly. Speaking to ITV's This Morning, she said: "Currently, we know paracetamol in its lowest effective dose over a short period of time for headaches, and fevers, is absolutely fine."
If you're taking paracetamol on a "long-term basis", however, it could be an issue. Dr Aziz said: "A recent study has come out with a fact that people who are taking paracetamol on a long-term basis, regularly, for example for arthritis, chronic pain, can have an increase in their blood pressure.
"We know that that has been the case for people who have been on anti-inflammatories, for example, aspirin, and ibuprofen. But paracetamol can also cause an increase in blood pressure for those who are on it for longer periods of time."
She added: "What all the studies are suggesting is that, yes, you can have paracetamol for short periods, but if you are on it long-term, go and speak to your healthcare professional and discuss it with them. Because high blood pressure can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes."
Another health risk you should be aware of is that some paracetamol pills - especially those that dissolve in water - contain large amounts of sodium, one of the main components of salt. A study carried out by China's Central South University found that regularly taking paracetamol with sodium in it can increase a person's risk of heart attack, stroke or heart failure.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction - anaphylaxis - to paracetamol and notice your lips, tongue, mouth or throat swelling, difficulty swallowing or you become dizzy, you should call 999. These are just some of the potential side effects you should be aware of - and to see the full list, you should always read the leaflet inside your medicine packet before taking it.
If you're concerned about prolonged paracetamol use, contact your GP.
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