Major study challenges long-held fears about acetaminophen and ibuprofen use in babies
A large-scale study of 4,000 infants found no significant difference in the risk of eczema or bronchiolitis between those treated with acetaminophen and those treated with ibuprofen. The findings provide reassurance to parents and healthcare providers regarding the safety of these common pain relievers in the first year of life.
Why it matters
This study helps resolve long-standing parental concerns and medical debates regarding the potential side effects of common pediatric medications.
A major new study provides strong reassurance about the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen (Advil) during a baby's first year. Researchers found no evidence that either common pain reliever increases the risk of eczema or bronchiolitis, a respiratory illness that often affects young children.
Earlier studies had raised concerns that acetaminophen (Tylenol) given during infancy might be connected to eczema, asthma, or other health conditions later in childhood.
"Our study found that paracetamol and ibuprofen are incredibly safe to use in young children," says lead researcher Professor Stuart Dalziel, Cure Kids Chair of Child Health Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, and Pediatrician at Starship Children's Hospital.
Dalziel notes that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are among the medicines most often prescribed or purchased over the counter for babies around the world.
"These results give parents and health professionals high confidence to continue to use these important medications."
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