Perneger et al investigated 716 patients with renal failure, and concluded that increased paracetamol use was associated with an enhanced risk of renal failure in a dose-dependent manner. Approximately 9% of renal failure cases were attributable to increased paracetamol use.
Paracetamol in overdose can cause renal failure. Most cases of renal failure have been reported to be in association with liver failure. However, isolated renal failure in the absence of liver damage has been reported [7].
Long term use of pain killers can cause damage to the kidneys. This includes over-the-counter and prescription pills. This condition is most common in people older than 45 years of age, and more prevalent in women over 30. Often there are no symptoms.
The NHS says: “Taking one or two extra tablets by accident is unlikely to be harmful, as long as you do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours.
Paracetamol is a widely known over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic which, in acute poisoning usually causes liver damage, and less commonly damage to the kidney, heart, and pancreas.
Paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure. Scientists have known for decades that paracetamol in large amounts is toxic the liver, but until now its mechanism of poisoning has eluded them.
It's safe to take paracetamol regularly for many years, as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.
Paracetamol in standard doses is safe to take if you have kidney problems.
Adults can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight – check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Serious toxicity may occur in patients ingesting more than 150 mg/kg in any 24-hour period. Rarely, toxicity can occur with ingestions between 75 and 150 mg/kg in any 24-hour period.
Over-the-counter Tylenol (generic acetaminophen) is often the best choice for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
In fact, the National Kidney Foundation recommends acetaminophen as the pain reliever of choice for occasional use in patients who have underlying kidney disease. Although NSAIDs are more likely to cause kidney issues, Ibuprofen can still be used as long as it is not taken in excess.
How long can I use paracetamol for? If you need to use paracetamol for longer than a few days (three days for a child), or if the pain or fever doesn't get better despite taking paracetamol, then you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Paracetamol in high single doses (typically 15 g or more) causes liver injury through a toxic metabolite, NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine).
Do not take paracetamol continuously for more than five days, unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol. For those taking liquid form of paracetamol, always use a dose-measuring device. Leave at least 4 hours between recommended doses.
Talk to a doctor at once if you take too much of this medicine even if you feel well. This is because too much paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage.
Acetaminophen remains the drug of choice for occasional use in patients with kidney disease because of bleeding complications that may occur when these patients use aspirin.
You feel kidney pain in the area where your kidneys are located: Near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make urine (i.e., pee) and remove it from your body.
Long-term paracetamol use may be a risk for people with high blood pressure. Long-term paracetamol use could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure, a study suggests.
“Daily paracetamol could raise the risk of heart attacks, stroke and early death,” the Mail Online reports.
Paracetamol can be taken when needed, that is when you feel the pain, or it may be taken regularly to manage persistent pain. Regular dosing is recommended to treat the persistent pain that may be associated with arthritis.