Children of mothers who take acetaminophen during pregnancy may be at a slightly higher risk of developing wheezing or asthma during childhood, according to a new study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.
Researchers at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand looked at the results of six different studies that examined the link between the drug and respiratory disorders in children.
They found that acetaminophen use during any stage of pregnancy increased a child’s risk of developing asthma by 21 percent.
According to lead researcher Richard Beasley, the findings are inconclusive and more research is "required so that appropriate recommendations for pregnant women can be made."
Acetaminophen, most commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, is used to treat pain and fever in both adults and children. Pregnant women should avoid taking any unnecessary medication and, when pain relief is necessary, consult with a doctor before using over-the-counter treatments.