Effect of paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) on gastrointestinal bleeding

Paracetamol

“…Paracetamol does not cause gastric erosions (Loebl et al, 1977;Ivey, Silvoso and Krause, 1978) or occult loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract (Goulston and Skyring, 1964). Paracetamol, therefore, may safely be given to patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia.…”

Effect of paracetamol (acetaminophen) on gastric ionic fluxes and potential difference in man.

“…Its considerable increase in sales is due largely to its reputation for being free from gastric side-effects. This reputation has been based on indirect assessment of gastric bleeding by measurement of stool blood loss (Goulston and Skyring, 1964) and also on gastroscopic studies which show no macroscopically visible small ulcers and inflammation compared with aspirin (Vickers, 1967).…”

“…In addition, the effect of 2-0 g paracetamol on gastric potential difference was compared with that of 600 mg aspirin. (Goulston and Skyring, 1964). Vickers in 1967 found a 17% incidence of visible gastroscopic lesions after aspirin compared with 0% after paracetamol.…”

“…Because of this, paracetamol (acetaminophen (USA); trade names: Panadol (Winthrop), TylenoIR (McNeil)) has replaced aspirin as analgesic of choice in many clinical situations. Most studies comparing the effect of aspirin and paracetamol on the human stomach have been indirect-for example, measurement of gastrointestinal bleeding (Goulston and Skyring, 1964). Vickers in 1967 found a 17% incidence of visible gastroscopic lesions after aspirin compared with 0% after paracetamol.…”

Gastroenterology in Australia, 1949-69

“…The same group also showed that intravenous aspirin did not increase gastrointestinal blood loss (Cooke & Goulston, 1969), and that paracetamol did not cause bleeding from the stomach (Goulston & Skyring, 1964).…”