Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure Linked to Attention Problems

Follow Drugslib on

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jan 25, 2024.

By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, Jan. 25, 2024 -- Prenatal acetaminophen exposure, especially in the second trimester, is associated with attention problems at ages 2, 3, and 4 years, according to a study published in the January-February issue of Neurotoxicology and Teratology.

Megan L. Woodbury, Ph.D., from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and colleagues used data from a prospective birth cohort with 535 newborns enrolled to examine the association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and attention problems by trimester of exposure. At six time points across pregnancy, mothers reported the number of times they took acetaminophen. Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5 to 5 years when children were 2, 3, and 4 years of age.

The researchers observed an association for higher acetaminophen exposure during the second trimester of fetal development with higher scores at ages 2 and 3 years on the Attention Problems; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Problems; Externalizing Behavior; and Total Problems scales. Higher Externalizing Behavior and Total Problems scores at 4 years were only seen in association with higher second-trimester exposure. The Attention Problems and ADHD Problems scores at ages 2 and 3 years were higher in association with greater cumulative exposure across pregnancy.

"Our most important finding was that with increasing acetaminophen use by pregnant participants, especially during the second trimester, their children showed more attention-related problems and ADHD-type behaviors, which we call 'externalizing behaviors,' at every age we measured," Woodbury said in a statement.

One author serves on the Neurotoxicology and Teratology Editorial Advisory Board.

Abstract/Full Text

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

Source: HealthDay

Posted : 2024-01-26 00:15

Read more

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords