Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most widely used drugs worldwide for treating pain and fever. However, unexpected information about it has recently been published. A large-scale study conducted by an international team of scientists found that taking this drug during pregnancy may negatively affect the development of the child’s nervous system. This was reported by Environmental Health.
Experts conducted an extensive analysis, reviewing 46 scientific studies on the effects of acetaminophen. More than half of them revealed a strong correlation between paracetamol use during pregnancy and the later development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders in children. The most reliable results came from studies that used biomarkers and long-term follow-up of children.
Scientists emphasized that paracetamol easily crosses the placenta and may influence hormonal regulation, immune processes, and oxidative stress mechanisms. This makes it potentially dangerous for the developing brain of a child.
According to statistics, 14 out of 20 studies showed that children whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy were more frequently diagnosed with ADHD. In five out of eight studies, a link with autism was also observed. In some cases, a dose-dependent reaction was noted: the more and the longer the drug was used, the higher the risk became.
Researchers plan to continue exploring this issue through larger projects involving diverse patient groups. The aim of future studies is not only to confirm or refute the risk but also to identify safer ways of treating pain and fever in pregnant women.
Experts underline that although paracetamol remains one of the most commonly used medications worldwide, such findings should serve as a serious warning, especially for pregnant women.
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