Prenatal Acetaminophen Raises Autism, ADHD Risks.

In 2025, Diddier Prada and a team from Mount Sinai analyzed 46 studies with over 100,000 participants worldwide, using a strict method to review links between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental issues like autism and ADHD. Acetaminophen is used by over 50% of pregnant women globally for pain or fever.

Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, is a widely used over-the-counter drug for pain relief and fever reduction. It's the active ingredient in brands like Tylenol and Panadol, and found in many cold/flu meds like DayQuil or Excedrin. Safe for short-term use, but overuse can harm the liver.

Higher-quality studies showed prenatal acetaminophen exposure raised autism risk by 20-30% and ADHD risk by 15-25%, likely due to the drug crossing the placenta, causing oxidative stress, hormone changes, and brain development issues. The link was stronger in studies with better designs.

Use acetaminophen sparingly in pregnancy; consult your doctor for alternatives like rest or safe therapies.