Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.

Is ADHD Connected to Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy?

Published on Mar 12, 2014 by Thomas Law Offices.

pain reliever ADHD risks A study has found a possible link between prenatal exposure to the pain reliever acetaminophen and children who later develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and other pain and fever medications.

Findings Show Only a Link

Researchers stress that the study, published in the American Medical Association’s JAMA Pediatrics journal, shows only a connection, but does not prove that the medication causes ADHD.

The study looked at 64,000 children in Denmark, who were born from 1992 to 2002. The data showed that ADHD was more common in children whose mothers took acetaminophen while pregnant. Among the findings, children with prenatal exposure to acetaminophen were:

  • 13% more likely to develop ADHD behaviors, including hyperactivity and conduct problems.
  • 37% more likely to be diagnosed with “hyperkinetic disorder,” which is like a high-end ADHD.
  • 29% more likely to be prescribed ADHD medications.

Concern for Pregnant Women

Before this study, doctors had assured pregnant women that acetaminophen was a “safe” drug. The authors did note that it can be important for pregnant women to reduce fever and infection during pregnancy. They emphasized that more needs to be known; these results don’t yet tell them how acetaminophen might be involved with ADHD, at what point the effects are most active, or which people are more at risk.

An editorial in the same journal cautioned that enough is not known yet to indicate anyone should change their practice. Still, women pregnant now or in the near future may want to take notice.

One medical expert in maternal-fetal health said the study should remind pregnant women that for any medication – even those believed to be safe — the best approach is to take it only as needed and then at the lowest dose to be effective.

Free Case Evaluation

At Thomas Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys recognize that our potential clients are likely going through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We don't want you to have to worry about paying out of pocket for legal advice when you're just starting to learn your legal rights and options. That's why we provide free case evaluations. We'll offer our expert advice about your potential case and walk you through how we can help you.

Call us or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Meet Our Founder

Tad Thomas - Trial Lawyer

Tad Thomas

Managing Partner

Tad Thomas has dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in various types of civil litigation, including personal injury, business litigation, class actions, and multi-district litigation.

After graduating with his law degree in 2000 from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Mr. Thomas immediately opened his own private practice and began representing injury victims.

In 2011, Thomas Law Offices was established in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the past decade, Mr. Thomas has expanded his firm and now has offices in three additional locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbia, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois. He is also a frequent lecturer on topics like trial skills and ethics and technology.

Legal & Firm News

Former Nebraska Women’s Basketball Player Sues Coach & University Over Alleged Sexual Grooming

A February 18 civil lawsuit filed by a former University of Nebraska basketball player alleges that the male associate head coach of her then-team used their position of authority to groom her into a sexual relationship with them. This alleged sexual misconduct occurred between 2020 and 2022. Listed as defendants in the lawsuit are the […]

Read More

Iowa Nursing Home Staff Abused and Laughed at Patients According to Records

A whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed on Feb. 15, 2024, reveals how there was pervasive mistreatment of nursing home residents at a DesMoines, Iowa nursing home beginning as early as March 2022.   A later Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) investigation, launched after her dismissal, confirmed the majority of those reports (and others) alleging staff […]

Read More

Tad Thomas Named Lawdragon 500 Leading Consumer Plaintiff Lawyer for 2024

Thomas Law Offices is proud to announce that founder, Tad Thomas, has been recognized by Lawdragon on the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Tad has been a trial lawyer for over 20 years. He founded Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, and over the years, his reputation and practice have grown, expanding […]

Read More
Tad Thomas on The National Crime Victim Bar Association
National Civil Justice Institute - Trustee
Tad Thomas on Lawyer Minds
Tad Thomas on American Association for Justice
Southern Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Ohio Association for Justice
Kentucky Justice Association
Fellows of the Litigation Counsel of America
Martindale Hubbell Preeminent
2021 Public Justice Member
AAJ Masters of Trial Law: Champion