Paracetamol News and Research

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Paracetamol is a drug that reduces pain and fever (but not inflammation). It belongs to the family of drugs called analgesics.

New microfluidic chip could save millions of euros in drug development costs

Scientists in an EU-supported project have developed a microfluidic chip that simultaneously analyses the reactions of several human organ tissues when they come into contact with candidates for new drugs.

10 Jun 2015

Novel biosensor chip measures pH, temperature, drugs and metabolism-related molecules

The future of medicine lies in ever greater precision, not only when it comes to diagnosis but also drug dosage. The blood work that medical staff rely on is generally a snapshot indicative of the moment the blood is drawn before it undergoes hours - or even days - of analysis.

30 May 2015

Study shows differences in rates of paracetamol-linked acute liver failure among European countries

A fifty-fold between-country difference in rates of paracetamol-induced acute liver failure that leads to liver transplant (ALFT) has been revealed by a study that compared patient data from seven countries at the request of the European Medicines Agency: France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and the UK.

29 May 2015

Excess consumption of common pain relievers poses significant health risks to Australians

On the final day of Be Medicinewise Week 2014, NPS MedicineWise is reminding people that excess consumption of common pain relievers is a serious medicine safety issue.

20 Oct 2014

Paracetamol fails to beat placebo at relieving back pain

Paracetamol is no more effective than placebo at relieving acute lower back pain, according to new clinical trial results.

24 Jul 2014

Paracetamol safety and osteoarthritis: an interview with Professor David Hunter, University of Sydney

Firstly, paracetamol has been the first-line recommended treatment for osteoarthritis pain for very many years and, secondly, it is readily available over the counter and can be bought in relatively large quantities.

15 Jul 2014

Researchers discover analgesic mechanism that prevents pain in Buruli ulcer patients

When the body receives an injury to the skin, a signal is sent to the brain, which generates a sensation of pain.

20 Jun 2014

Novel prediction model improves patient outcomes after paracetamol-induced acute liver failure

In the UK paracetamol toxicity is the most common cause of ALF and has a high mortality rate. It is estimated that 150 to 200 deaths and 15 to 20 LTs occur as a result of poisoning each year in England and Wales.

10 Apr 2014

Guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses cost millions of pounds per year, say researchers

Strict guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses - introduced 18 months ago - are costing the NHS millions of pounds a year, researchers claim.

27 Mar 2014

New drug for patients with leukaemia and lymphoma puts an end to chemotherapy

Patients with terminal forms of leukaemia and lymphoma who have run out of treatment options could soon benefit from a new drug, which not only puts an end to chemotherapy and has virtually no side effects but also improves a patient's life expectancy and quality of life.

20 Mar 2014

Children of women who used acetaminophen during pregnancy appear to be at higher risk for ADHD

Children of women who used the pain reliever acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy appear to be at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavioral problems and hyperkinetic disorders.

26 Feb 2014

Researchers identify key step to prevent liver failure resulting from painkiller overdose

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a key step for the future prevention of liver failure resulting from taking too much of the everyday painkiller paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen).

5 Feb 2014

Paracetamol, ibuprofen or combination of both provide no advantage for respiratory tract infections

Questions have been raised about the advice given to patients with a cold and sore throat, in research published in the British Medical Journal.

4 Nov 2013

Long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy increases risk of adverse effects on child development

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly used medicine in pregnancy, yet there are very few studies that have investigated the possible long-term consequences for the child.

30 Oct 2013

Study investigates effect of paracetamol during pregnancy on child development

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly used medicine in pregnancy, yet there are very few studies that have investigated the possible long-term consequences for the child. A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health suggests that long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse effects on child development.

29 Oct 2013

Researchers discover how Fra-1 protein protects the liver from drug-induced liver damage

Drug abuse and alcohol are some of the most frequent causes of liver damage, particularly in developed countries. Such kind of liver damage can cause irreversible liver failure and even cancer. Researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre have discovered an important new protective role of the Fra-1 protein, which neutralizes the damage caused by agents, such as the analgesic drug acetaminophen (Paracetamol).

12 Oct 2013

Anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen may fight against certain cancers

Latest research by scientists at the University of Bath has shown why the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen might stop certain cancers from developing.

26 Sep 2013

Osteoarthritis research: an interview with Dr Deborah Mason, Cardiff University

Osteoarthritis is an extremely common condition affecting about 8 million people in the UK. The elderly are particularly susceptible, with up to 45% of people over 65 years, having the disease.

14 Aug 2013

Severe arthritis pain treatments: an interview with Professor Walsh, University of Nottingham and Professor Wood, UCL

Pain is defined by the sufferer’s experience. Pain may be severe because it is intense, frequent or sustained, and because it is distressing. The severity of pain is not simply due to what is going on in the joint, but is also affected by how the body processes the pain signals, and the context in which it is experienced.

31 Jul 2013

Scientists demonstrate advantages of wavelength-modulated Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy has enabled incredible advances in numerous scientific fields and is a powerful tool for tissue classification and disease recognition, although there have been considerable challenges to using the method in a clinical setting. Scientists have now demonstrated the advantages of wavelength-modulated Raman spectroscopy, opening the door to wider biomedical and clinical applications such as real-time assessment of tissues during surgery.

20 Feb 2013