Tylenol, Autism, and ADHD
New Research on Tylenol Links the Drug to Autism and ADHD
Johnson & Johnson is the target of multiple lawsuits, claiming that the popular painkiller triggered developmental disorders in children, both before birth and after. These allegations are supported by a growing number of research studies published in recent years.
The studies show that when the drug is taken during pregnancy and by young children, it has a damaging effect on brain development. The European Journal of Epidemiology (October 2021) reported, “Boys and girls showed higher odds for ASC and ADHD symptoms after prenatal exposure, though these associations were slightly stronger among boys.”
The journal JAMA Pediatrics notes that the number of children with autism increased 53% between 2017 and 2020.
A study that measured the umbilical cord blood of newborns reported that exposure to acetaminophen was “associated with significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD and ASD in a dose related fashion.” [JAMA Psychiatry October 2019]
Acetaminophen (the drug found in Tylenol) is also in numerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including Alka-Seltzer Plus, Datril, Excedrin, Aleve, Motrin, Goody’s, Mucinex, NyQuill, DayQuill, Robitussin and various store brands.
The lead author in a 2022 study published in the journal Minerva Pediatrics notes, “Careful analysis shows that initial acceptance of the drug was based on the false assumption that drug interactions in babies and adults are the same, and on a complete absence of knowledge regarding the impact of the drug on brain development.”
In some countries Tylenol is known as Paracetamol.
“Inactive” Ingredients in Tylenol
Cherry
anhydrous citric acid, FD&C red no. 40, flavors, glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, xanthan gum
Grape
anhydrous citric acid, D&C red no. 33, FD&C blue no. 1, flavors, glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, xanthan gum
Bubble Gum
anhydrous citric acid, D&C red no. 33, FD&C red no. 40, flavors, glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, xanthan gum
Strawberry
anhydrous citric acid, FD&C red no. 40, flavors, glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, xanthan gum
Note: D&C colors are not allowed to be used in food.
