Paracetamol use in pregnancy may raise risk of autism, ADHD in children: Study

New Delhi: Taking paracetamol during pregnancy could increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to a new study.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is commonly used over the counter to treat fever, headaches and pain, and is generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the US analyzed 46 previously published studies involving more than one lakh participants across multiple countries. Their findings, published in the journal BioMed Central, suggest that “higher-quality studies are more likely to show a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD,” said study author Diddier Prada, assistant professor of population health science and policy, environmental medicine and climate science.

“Given the widespread use of this medication, even a small increase in risk could have major public health implications,” Prada added.

The researchers noted that paracetamol crosses the placental barrier and may cause oxidative stress, disrupt hormones and trigger epigenetic changes that interfere with fetal brain development.

With global cases of autism and ADHD on the rise, the team said the findings have significant implications for public health policy, clinical guidelines and patient awareness. While the study does not prove that paracetamol causes such disorders, it reinforces concerns over its prenatal use.

The authors advised that pregnant women use paracetamol cautiously, in limited doses and strictly under medical supervision, while calling for further research to confirm the association.