ShareThisA new study suggests that taking the painkiller acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma in children.
But the study's lead researcher, Richard Beasley of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, said its findings were inconclusive and didn't challenge conventional wisdom that the drug is safe for pregnant women. Instead, it suggests that further study is needed.
The findings are reported in the April issue of the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.
Acetaminophen, an ingredient in over-the-counter medications, is used to reduce fever and relieve pain, including headaches. During pregnancy, women generally are advised to avoid any unnecessary medication.
Beasley and his team reviewed six published reports of randomized controlled trials and observational studies examining the effects of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. They focused on the "development of wheezing and/or asthma in offspring," a news release said.
They found that acetaminophen taken at any stage of pregnancy was associated with a 21 percent increased risk of asthma in children ages 2 1/2 to 7 years old.
Beasley said more definitive research was "required so that appropriate recommendations for pregnant women can be made."
Brian Bethel is a reporter at the The Abilene Reporter-News in Texas. Contact him at www.reporternews.com.)
