The fever reducer is often given to infants and kids. But Monday’s announcement left some families confused after the president discouraged the drug’s use during pregnancy and in newborns.
Now pediatricians are weighing in with some advice.
“Don’t give it to the baby when the baby is born, they throw it at you!”
Those were President Donald Trump’s words during Monday’s White House press conference. But Endeavor Health pediatrician Dr Annie Mlnarik has other advice.
“So Tylenol is a safe medication to use in babies and toddlers when it’s used appropriately with the right dosing,” she said. “We use Tylenol or acetaminophen when babies have fevers or if they are really uncomfortable.”
It’s common for a baby to develop a fever following a vaccination. But there are other instances that may warrant a pain reliver such as a sore throat, toothache, or along with a cold or flu. Giving acetaminophen or Tylenol to bring their temperature down is an option but not necessary.
“The fever itself is not dangerous and so you don’t have to give the Tylenol medicine. But I often recommend it because when babies have fevers they are more uncomfortable, so then they might not eat as well, they may not sleep as well,” Mlnarik said. “And so if you can make them feel a little bit better, then it will allow those things to keep themselves hydrated and rest so that they can heal.”
Mlnarik says there are no studies linking autism and Tylenol use during infancy or childhood.
“Tylenol is a medicine that has been studied for decades and it’s a very safe medication. The efficacy and safety profiles in all the ages have been well studied,” Mlnarik said. “There is no link between Tylenol use in infants and toddlers and autism or any neurodevelopmental disease.”
Giving the right dose is critical and depends on weight and age.
“If you ever have any questions, always consult your doctor,” Mlnarik said. “Call your child’s pediatrician. You can always set a visit just to ask questions because those are the experts you should be trusting to give you advice on the care of your child.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a chart for caregivers. But always consult your pediatrician before administering any medication.
Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGN’s Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
