A widely used medicine changes the way our kidneys work normally, causing harmful substances to accumulate in our body. But scientists believe they can change the situation.
Acetaminophen, known as a headache and fever reliever in pill form, is often given intravenously in hospitals. This method is chosen for its rapid action, controlled dosage and suitability for patients who cannot swallow tablets. However, this direct injection into the blood is associated with an unexpected complication: a marked decrease in blood pressure. This problem can affect anyone who uses the intravenous form of the drug: about 60% of seriously ill patients experience this effect, and a third of them require additional medical care, writes Knowridge.
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Thomas Quistgaard Jepps and his colleagues at the University of Copenhagen studied this phenomenon. Their study showed that when acetaminophen is given intravenously, the liver skips its normal process of processing fluids. As a result, various chemicals are produced in the body, which then affect potassium channels, which are vital for regulating blood pressure. In laboratory tests on rats, Jepps’ team successfully blocked these channels, curbing the unwanted drop in blood pressure.
This breakthrough hints at possible improvements in intravenous acetaminophen that will lead to safer use among hospital patients. The findings are particularly relevant for health care workers, especially when hospitalizations spike as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for populations taking acetaminophen tablets at recommended doses, blood pressure concerns remain minimal, the authors state.
These findings, reported in the journal Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, detail how intravenous acetaminophen affects body function. At the same time, research continues to determine the optimal time to take drugs to lower blood pressure and develop new approaches to the treatment of hypertension while minimizing side effects.
Previously Focus wrote about a cheap alternative to blood pressure monitors that works on a smartphone. The device promises to provide reliable blood pressure checks right on your smartphone, anywhere and anytime.
Also Focus wrote that talking on the phone increases blood pressure. The more people talk on the phone, the higher their risk of developing high blood pressure, a new study shows.
Important! This article is based on and does not contradict the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.
