Paracetamol (Tylenol)

Source: NIE

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that paracetamol (Tylenol) use during pregnancy is linked to autism.

• Experts, including former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, dismissed the claim as unscientific.

About Paracetamol (Tylenol):

• What it is? A non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug. Known as paracetamol globally and acetaminophen in the U.S. Listed in the WHO’s Essential Medicines for safe and widespread use.

• A non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug.

• Known as paracetamol globally and acetaminophen in the U.S.

• Listed in the WHO’s Essential Medicines for safe and widespread use.

• Ingredients Used: Acetaminophen (paracetamol).

• Used For: Relieves mild to moderate pain (headache, backache, arthritis, toothache, menstrual cramps, post-surgery pain). Reduces fever in adults and children. Preferred pain relief during pregnancy and for those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, aspirin).

• Relieves mild to moderate pain (headache, backache, arthritis, toothache, menstrual cramps, post-surgery pain).

• Reduces fever in adults and children.

• Preferred pain relief during pregnancy and for those who cannot tolerate NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, aspirin).

• Features: Safe short-term use when taken as per dosage. Available in multiple forms: tablets, syrups, chewables, dissolvable packs. First-line treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy. Can be combined with ibuprofen for enhanced pain relief.

• Safe short-term use when taken as per dosage.

• Available in multiple forms: tablets, syrups, chewables, dissolvable packs.

• First-line treatment for pain and fever in pregnancy.

• Can be combined with ibuprofen for enhanced pain relief.

• Limitations: Less effective than NSAIDs for inflammation-related pain (e.g., arthritis). Excessive use (above 3–4 g/day in adults) can cause liver damage or failure. Limited effectiveness in chronic pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, cancer pain).

• Less effective than NSAIDs for inflammation-related pain (e.g., arthritis).

• Excessive use (above 3–4 g/day in adults) can cause liver damage or failure.

• Limited effectiveness in chronic pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, cancer pain).