The pills cost pennies, can be bought without prescription and are used by millions of people every day in the UK
Scientists have warned some people not to take paracetamol unless it is on a doctor’s advice as the cheap pill millions use regularly could raise the risk of autism and ADHD. Previous s tudies have suggested a link between the over-the-counter pill and higher rates of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The latest research from Mount Sinai and Harvard’s School of Public Health analysed more than 100,000 people. The researchers say pregnant women should only use the lowest possible dose of paracetamol for the shortest time possible.
Dr Diddier Prada, assistant professor at Mount Sinai Hospital and co-author of the study, said: ‘Our findings show that higher-quality studies are more likely to show a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD.”
He added: “Given the widespread use of this medication, even a small increase in risk could have major public health implications.”
Dr Prada said: ” Pregnant women should not stop taking medication without consulting their doctors. Untreated pain or fever can also harm the baby. Our study highlights the importance of discussing the safest approach with health care providers and considering non-drug options whenever possible.”
The NHS already says pregnant women should only take a low dose of paracetamol for as short a time as possible. Some people – such as those with liver or kidney disease – also need to be careful with the drug.
The latest research looked at 46 studies involving more than 100,000 people. Researchers writing in the journal Environmental Health, said: “Ultimately, the obtained scores suggest strong evidence of a likely relationship between prenatal acetaminophen (paracetamol) use and increased risk of ADHD in children.
“This includes high-quality studies that provide very strong evidence of an association and studies that provide strong evidence of an association.”
They added: “There was strong evidence of a relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of autism in children.” The latest NHS England figures show 130,000 children waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment, and more than 230,000 people in England are prescribed medication to help deal with ADHD symptoms.