Following US President Donald Trump’s association of the painkiller with autism, health professionals stated on Tuesday that there isn’t any solid scientific evidence linking paracetamol to the neurological disorder. Disparities or challenges in social communication and engagement are hallmarks of autism, sometimes referred to as autism spectrum disorder. During a White House event on Monday, Trump advised expectant moms to “tough it out” instead of taking Tylenol’s primary ingredient, acetaminophen, also referred to as paracetamol.
“There is no solid scientific evidence to support President Trump’s claim that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy may cause autism,” said Dr. Manish Narang, director-professor in the pediatrics department at the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in Delhi. Major medical and research organizations caution that such assertions can unnecessarily concern parents, and clinical guidance continues to advocate discussing pain-management choices with a clinician. “Existing studies are limited and inconsistent and do not establish a causal link,” he continued.
Acetaminophen, widely used as an over-the-counter medication during pregnancy, is taken by over 50% of pregnant women globally for headaches, pain, or fever. Regulatory agencies deem it safe; however, recent statements by Trump caution against its use unless necessary, highlighting concerns over its effects. Conversely, experts like Dr. Soumya Swaminathan affirm acetaminophen’s safety, refuting links to autism due to lack of evidence. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports its use as one of the safest painkillers. Dr. Abha Majumdar emphasizes the importance of treating fever or pain during pregnancy while advocating for a cautious approach to medication use, recommending the lowest effective dose to minimize risks to both mother and child.
