Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | October 3, 2025 | Dangerous Drugs
As parents, we often face difficult decisions when it comes to our children’s health. One medication many families rely on is acetaminophen—commonly known by the brand name Tylenol. It has long been considered one of the safer over-the-counter options for pain relief and fever reduction during pregnancy and early childhood. However, recent studies have raised questions about whether using Tylenol during pregnancy could increase the risk of children developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This article explores what parents should know about the potential link, the science behind it, and what steps families can take moving forward.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children and adults in the United States. Symptoms typically include:
- Difficulty focusing or paying attention
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Impulsive behavior
- Challenges with organization or completing tasks
ADHD can significantly impact school performance, social relationships, and daily life. While genetics play a major role in its development, environmental factors—such as prenatal exposures—are also under investigation.
Why Tylenol is in the Spotlight
Tylenol is one of the most commonly used medications during pregnancy, largely because alternatives like aspirin and ibuprofen are considered less safe. But over the past decade, researchers have been exploring whether prenatal acetaminophen use may be associated with neurodevelopmental issues in children, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This issue is closely related to the ongoing litigation around acetaminophen and autism. You can read more about that in our recent blog post about the potential link between autism and Tylenol. For an overview of all Tylenol-related lawsuits, visit our main Tylenol Autism Lawsuit Lawyers page.
What the Research Says
Several studies have tried to uncover whether there is a connection between Tylenol and ADHD. Among those suggesting a possible link are:
- Ji et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2020) – Boston Birth Cohort Study: This study of 996 mother-infant pairs measured acetaminophen biomarkers in umbilical cord blood and found children with the highest exposure levels were approximately 2.86 times more likely to develop ADHD and 3.62 times more likely to develop autism compared to those with the lowest exposure, showing a dose-response relationship.
- Prada et al., BMC Environmental Health (2025) – Mount Sinai Navigation Guide Study: This systematic review analyzed 46 studies incorporating data from over 100,000 participants across multiple countries using rigorous Navigation Guide methodology, finding that higher-quality studies were more likely to show a link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD.
- Baccarelli et al., Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2025): This research team found evidence of a possible association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the association being strongest when acetaminophen was taken for four weeks or longer during pregnancy.
Other studies have suggested there is no causal relationship between Tylenol and ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, including:
- Ahlqvist et al., JAMA (2024) – Swedish Nationwide Cohort Study: This study analyzed data from nearly 2.5 million Swedish children and found that while initial analyses showed a small increased risk, when comparing siblings (which controls for shared genetic and environmental factors), acetaminophen use during pregnancy was not associated with increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability, suggesting the observed associations were due to confounding factors rather than causation.
The bottom line: while there are signals that warrant caution, no study has definitively proven that Tylenol directly causes ADHD.
This research and associated litigation is moving quickly; please stay tuned to our website and blog for more information as it develops.
The Medical Community’s Position
Major health organizations have not called for an outright ban on Tylenol use during pregnancy. Instead, they advise moderation:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that current evidence is not strong enough to recommend against acetaminophen use but encourages pregnant women to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) continues to consider acetaminophen the safest over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant women when used as directed.
This guidance underscores the uncertainty—while there may be a risk, the evidence is not conclusive, and untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can also pose dangers.
What Parents Can Do
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, here are some steps to consider:
- Consult your doctor: Before taking Tylenol or any other medication, speak with your healthcare provider about risks and alternatives.
- Use the lowest effective dose: Avoid frequent or prolonged use unless specifically recommended by your physician.
- Track your usage: Keep a record of how often you take acetaminophen during pregnancy.
- Consider non-medication options: Depending on your symptoms, rest, hydration, or other natural remedies may help reduce the need for pain relievers.
FAQ: Tylenol and ADHD
Does Tylenol cause ADHD?
No study has proven that Tylenol directly causes ADHD. Some research suggests an association, while other studies dispute this link.
Is it safe to take Tylenol during pregnancy?
Most medical organizations, including ACOG, say acetaminophen is safe when used as directed, though they recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
Should I stop taking Tylenol while pregnant?
Do not stop or start any medication without first consulting your doctor. For many women, the benefits of Tylenol may outweigh the potential risks.
Are lawsuits being filed over Tylenol and ADHD?
Yes. Families across the country have filed Tylenol lawsuits alleging that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about potential risks of ADHD and autism linked to prenatal Tylenol use. These cases are still being litigated and outcomes remain uncertain.
What should I do if I believe Tylenol affected my child?
If you suspect a link between prenatal Tylenol use and your child’s ADHD or autism diagnosis, you may wish to speak with an attorney experienced in dangerous drug litigation.
The Bottom Line
While studies suggest there may be a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of ADHD, the evidence is not definitive. For now, many medical experts continue to recommend acetaminophen as one of the safest pain relief options during pregnancy when used appropriately.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and you used Tylenol during pregnancy, you may have questions about your legal rights. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are actively investigating Tylenol lawsuits on behalf of families in North Carolina and nationwide. Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
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