They analysed eight and found a correlation between an increased relative rate of mortality and increasing doses of paracetamol in two, when comparing patients who had been prescribed it and those who had not.

Four showed a link between paracetamol use and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, while another found a higher rate of stomach complaints in those taking large doses of the painkiller.

Another four studies on adverse renal events also found a connection, with one showing a more likely decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate - a test used to check how well kidneys are working.

Professor Conaghan’s study, published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases , said: “Based upon the data presented above we believe the true risk of paracetamol prescription to be higher than that currently perceived in the clinical community.

“Given its high usage and availability as an over-the-counter analgesic (painkiller) a systematic review of paracetamol’s efficacy and tolerability in individual conditions is warranted.”

Families have turned to paracetamol as a risk-free panacea since the 1950s because it is considered safer than anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, or opiates.

Patients are advised not to exceed the maximum dose of two 500mg tablets four times a day but millions ignore this. 

Family GP Dr Ian Campbell said: “This is a concern because paracetamol is used so widely, both over the counter and on prescription.

“There is no question in my mind that paracetemol can be of benefit to mil=lions of people with acute or chronic pain. 

“It is extremely well tolerated and rarely causes a concern but if it’s true mortality rates do increase a little it is a sharp reminder to everyone that any drug, whatever it’s purpose, should be taken as infrequently, at as low a dose as possible and for the shortest time possible. 

“I would encourage people who find paracetamol effective and suitable to continue to do so but discuss it with their GP the next time they are seen.”

The researchers said that although the eight observational studies were likely to have biases related to those people who needed long-term paracetamol, their findings showed a consistent relationship between paracetamol at standard doses and adverse events.

This included a dose-related relationship between the drug and increasing incidence of mortality, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal events, although the overall risks of these problems remained small.

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