Indian medical experts have urged pregnant women not to panic over claims by US President Donald Trump linking Tylenol (acetaminophen/paracetamol) to autism and ADHD. The advisory, which recommended that expectant mothers “strongly limit” the drug, has sparked global debate and criticism from healthcare professionals.
Paracetamol, a widely used and affordable painkiller and fever reducer, is a household staple in India. While Trump suggested pregnant women should “tough it out” unless facing an “extremely high fever,” doctors in India have stressed that there is no conclusive evidence supporting a direct causal link with autism.
Dr Vaishali Sharma, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at AIIMS, explained, “There are some international studies suggesting a neurological effect, but for a high-grade fever, paracetamol is the medicine prescribed.” She advised that expectant mothers should take the drug only under medical guidance and cautioned against over-the-counter self-medication during pregnancy.
Echoing this guidance, Dr Jayashree Sundar, an experienced obstetrician, added, “There’s no direct or causative link to suggest paracetamol and autism. My decades of practice include prescribing paracetamol to pregnant patients for joint pains, and it is crucial for reducing high fevers, which can harm the baby if left untreated. People should not panic listening to the US President.” She also highlighted that authorities in countries like England have deemed the drug safe for use during pregnancy.
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Experts have expressed concern over the potential ripple effect on public health in India. Fear-driven announcements could lead pregnant women to avoid necessary treatments for pain and fever, increasing risks for both mother and foetus. Untreated high fevers, for instance, may pose greater dangers than medically advised doses of paracetamol, particularly in rural or under-resourced regions with limited access to professional healthcare.
The advisory could also have implications for India’s pharmaceutical sector. As a major global producer and exporter of paracetamol, any shifts in international demand or new regulatory warnings, especially in the United States, could affect production, export volumes, and consumer trust in Indian generics.
Medical professionals emphasise that the focus should remain on evidence-based guidance. Paracetamol continues to be a safe and effective medication when used as directed, and public trust in healthcare advice is crucial to safeguarding maternal and child health.
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