Long-term acetaminophen use may boost blood pressure

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Acetaminophen, the popular pain reliever known by the brand name Tylenol, can raise blood pressure when taken regularly, according to a study in the Feb. 7, 2022, issue of Circulation.

Earlier research had hinted at this problem, so investigators designed a clinical trial to clarify the risk. They recruited 110 people with high blood pressure and randomly assigned them to take 1,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen or a placebo four times a day for two weeks. (The 4,000-mg daily dose is the generally recommended maximum daily amount for healthy adults.) After a two-week wash-out period, those taking acetaminophen were switched to taking the placebo and vice versa for an additional two weeks. While people were taking acetaminophen, their blood pressure rose by an average of 5 points, the researchers found.

Experts have long known that other common pain relievers — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) — can also raise blood pressure. The take-home message? If you need a pain reliever, take the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.

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