Acetaminophen Linked to Asthma

Acetaminophen may make asthma symptoms worse in children and adults, according to a new report published in the journal Pediatrics. The report reviewed recent studies on the medication, which is also marketed as Tylenol.

The studies reviewed suggested that acetaminophen may even trigger new case of asthma. One of the studies surveys 520,000 children from 122 centers in 54 countries. In a report on that data published in The Lancet in 2008, researchers found that the risk of developing asthma jumped by 60 percent in 6- to 7-year-olds who had taken acetaminophen at least once a year but less than once a month. In children who took the medication at least once a month, the risk more than tripled.

Asthma experts are cautious about the findings, warning that they don’t absolutely prove that acetaminophen is the direct cause of asthma or its exacerbation. The new research may prompt doctors to tell patients about this new possible side effect of acetaminophen. The over-the-counter medication may not be safe for children with asthma, since it could increase airway problems. In at least one study that compared the impact of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, acetaminophen increased airway problems while ibuprofen did not.

Related posts:

1. Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets (USP 50mg, 325mg, 40mg) and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets (USP 7.5mg, 500mg): Recall – Bottle Mislabeled Audience: Pharmacy, Patient ISSUE: Qualitest and FDA is notifying pharmacists...
2. Endocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) Tablets, ( 10mg, 325mg ) : Recall – Some Bottles Contain Different Strength Tablets Audience: Pharmacy, Patients ISSUE: Endo Pharmaceuticals  and FDA notified pharmacists...
3. Acetaminophen Linked to Blood Cancers Chronic users of acetaminophen, an over-the-counter painkiller sold as Tylenol...