Tylenol autism ADHD

The amount of acetaminophen and its byproducts in the samples was divided into thirds, from lowest to highest. In comparison to the lowest third, the middle third of exposure was linked to a 2.26-fold increased risk of ADHD. The greatest third of exposure was linked to a 2.86-fold increase in risk.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies comprising 132,738 mother-child pairings in a 2018 study.

Questionnaires, interviews, and self-reports on medication usage were used to track people for periods ranging from three to eleven years, depending on the study.

Children who were exposed to acetaminophen in the womb had a 20% higher chance of autism and a 30% higher risk of ADHD, according to the study.

It did caution, however, that consuming tiny quantities of acetaminophen during pregnancy — for less than eight days in one research — did not increase risks.

Since then, several research have confirmed previous results that too much acetaminophen may raise the incidence of autism and ADHD.

"The safest known medicine to take during pregnancy for conditions like fever and discomfort is still acetaminophen," explains Dr. Zanotti. "It's riskier to have an untreated fever when pregnant than it is to take acetaminophen."

Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are on the rise.

Experts are baffled as to why autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental diseases in the United States, affecting one out of every 44 children under the age of eight. ADHD is also on the rise, with 9.4 percent of children aged 2 to 17 suffering from the disorder.

"Both diseases are likely caused by a variety of circumstances, thus the true etiology is unknown," explains Dr. Zanotti.

Environmental factors, maternal features, and genetic factors, all of which potentially increase the risk of autism or ADHD, were not examined in any of the research analyzed.

She points out that "further research is needed to properly understand the effects of extended acetaminophen exposure on the fetus during pregnancy."

Is it okay to use acetaminophen when pregnant?

"It's OK to take acetaminophen on occasion if you have a fever or if pain is interfering with your normal life during pregnancy," adds Dr. Zanotti. "We just don't want you to take acetaminophen every day or for an extended period of time."

If you require pain relief while pregnant, talk to your doctor about your alternatives. Limited doses of acetaminophen may be the best option for some conditions.