Tylenol and ADHD - What is the evidence?

Acetaminophen and Pregnancy - Does it Cause Problems or not?

There were some headlines recently about a study that was publicized as Acetaminophen use during pregnancy could lead to behavioral problems in children.

The actual study looked at 65,000 children in Denmark (where all medical information is captured in a government database). Taking children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis or medication prescriptions, they looked back at the use of Acetaminophen during these pregnancies. They found that women with reported use of acetaminophen showed a slightly increased risk; and those who had used it for more than 19 weeks total had an over 80% increased risk. However the absolute number of cases was relatively small.

But this does not necessarily show cause and effect. First, Acetaminophen is an over the counter drug, so its use may have been under-reported. Even more interesting would be why these women took the drug for 19 weeks or more during the pregnancy. Perhaps the factors that required its use; or some genetic predisposition associated were the cause.

Even the study author and journal editorialists conclude that it is too early to assign cause and effect and more studies are needed. Unfortunately many lay publications conveniently omit this.

I would not stop the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy for appropriate symptoms. Like all drugs during pregnancy, it should only be used if absolutely necessary.