25 Feb ADHD and Acetaminophen During Pregnancy

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jørn Olsen, M.D., Ph.D. 
Professor Institute of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology UCLA
Aarhus University
Aarhus,Denmark

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Olsen: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is drug being used by many, including pregnant women. In our data about half of all pregnant women in 1995 to 2002 had used the drug all least once during their pregnancy. The drug has shown hormonal disruptor properties in animal studies.

We found that women who used this drug during pregnancy gave birth to children who 5 – 10 years later slightly more often had behavioral problems or were treated for ADHD. The risk was highest for those who took the medication late in pregnancy and/or had taken the drug several times. The increased risk was about 10-30%.

MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?

Dr. Olsen: The drug is by many considered without any side effects when taken in normal doses, also when taken during pregnancy.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Olsen: Much more research is needed  but the drug should at present  be avoided during pregnancy if it has no real clinical indication.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Olsen: If the drug interfers with fetal brain development a range of different outcomes should be studies  from mental disorders to cognitive function.

Citation:

Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy, Behavioral Problems, and Hyperkinetic Disorders

Last Updated on February 25, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD