Trump Advises Pregnant Women Against Taking Tylenol Due to Autism Risks
President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women to refrain from using Tylenol, which contains the active ingredient paracetamol, citing risks of “autism.” He made these remarks from the White House, stating, “There is a rumor, and I don’t know if it’s true or not, that Cuba does not have Tylenol because they don’t have the money to buy it. They are almost free of autism.”
Trump noted that groups like the Amish, who are known for their horse-drawn buggies and rejection of modern technology, “do not suffer from autism at all.” He turned to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, asking him about the validity of his claims. Trump said, “Bobby wants to be very careful about what he says. I’m not being very careful about what I say.”
Despite his strong assertions, Trump (79) acknowledged that his personal theories are merely theories, even while positioning himself as the general doctor for America.
“Do Not Take It”
The president frequently expresses concern over autism. On Monday, he voiced significant confidence in his views, even struggling to articulate the word “acetaminophen,” the active ingredient in Tylenol. He reiterated, “Do not take it.”
He encouraged pregnant women experiencing pain to avoid the medication and “tough it out,” but offered few answers regarding what they should do if they have a fever that could harm themselves or their children.
Paracetamol or Acetaminophen
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication primarily used for relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. It is a commonly used over-the-counter medication available in many countries to treat conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, colds, and fever.
Key Features of Paracetamol:
- Chemical Formula: C₈H₉NO₂
- Therapeutic Class: Analgesic and antipyretic.
- Mechanism of Action: Works by inhibiting certain enzymes in the brain (like COX-3) that contribute to the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. It also affects the heat-regulating centers in the brain to lower fever.
Common Uses:
- Relieves mild to moderate pain (e.g., headaches, toothaches, back pain).
- Lowers fever associated with infections or illnesses.
Typical Dosage (for Adults):
- 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4 grams daily (to reduce the risk of liver toxicity).
- Always follow the doctor’s instructions or the medication label.
Pharmaceutical Forms: Available as tablets, capsules, liquid, suppositories, or injections.
Side Effects:
- Rare when used at recommended doses, but may include:
- Rash or allergic reactions.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (rare).
- Paracetamol Toxicity: Overdoses (over 4 grams daily for adults) can lead to serious liver damage or failure, particularly if taken with alcohol or in cases of malnutrition.
Precautions:
- Avoid using it with alcohol to minimize liver damage risks.
- Consult a doctor before using it in children under three or for those with liver or kidney diseases.
- Check other medications taking, as some combination products (like cold medications) may contain paracetamol, increasing the risk of overdose.
