Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication used by about 65 percent of pregnant women according to the clinical journal, American Family Physician. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are pervasive developmental disorders that, when combined, comprise more than 12 percent of the United States population, or close to 40 million afflicted Americans. Is there a connection between the two?
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or Tylenol, is widely available without a prescription and is primarily used for pain relief and fever reduction. It is also a component of many other drugs, such as those used to treat common cold symptoms, flu, allergies, and sleep issues. For decades, women have been reassured of the safety of this medication when used during pregnancy.
