The American Dental Association is advocating for reliance on peer-reviewed science after the White House linked autism and ADHD to Tylenol use during pregnancy.
The FDA recently notified clinicians that Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The claims led several healthcare organizations to speak out against the claims, including the ADA.
“Acetaminophen is well studied and proven to be safe for use in pregnancy and is one of the few medicines available to pregnant individuals for pain relief and treatment of acute dental pain,” the ADA said Sept. 24. “Science does not support claims that acetaminophen use during pregnancy leads to autism. In fact, robust recent data have reinforced that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of autism.”
The ADA said dentists should make several considerations when treating pregnant and nursing individuals, including discussing options with the patients’ physician and the potential effects and drug interactions based on available medication options.
