Experts in the UAE have assured residents that Tylenol is the “safest” medication when taken at prescribed doses. They confirmed that the ingredients are safe for pregnant women.
“At the recommended dose, Tylenol stands as one of the safest options for pain and fever relief,” stated Dr. Sonia Malik, Consultant Family Medicine at Burjeel By the Beach Clinic, Saadiyat Island. “Compared to ibuprofen or aspirin, Tylenol is gentler on the stomach, kidneys, and heart.”
Dr. Meera T. Anto, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, shared this view. “When used as directed, Tylenol is among the safest choices for alleviating pain and reducing fever,” she noted. “It is generally safe for most individuals, including children and pregnant women, when used correctly.”
Dr Meera T. Anto
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Tylenol during pregnancy
This reassurance comes after US President Donald Trump advised against the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, for pregnant women, linking it to an increase in autism cases. “I’m saying it as it is, don’t take Tylenol,” Trump stated in a press conference. He also suggested changes in vaccine administration for children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) responded by stating that there is “currently no conclusive scientific evidence” proving a “link between autism and the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.” Extensive research has been conducted on this topic over the last decade.
Dr. Sonia remarked that claims of Tylenol causing autism are “exaggerated.” “The evidence is weak,” she explained. “For now, acetaminophen remains the safest choice for pregnant women who truly need pain or fever relief.”
Dr Sonia Malik
A study of nearly 2.5 million children born in Sweden from 1995 to 2019, published in 2024, found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in sibling control analysis.
However, Dubai-based pharmacist Rania Alkhani advised caution with Tylenol use during pregnancy. “Caution is necessary with chronic acetaminophen use,” she said. “Otherwise, it is the first line for pain management.”
Rania Alkhani
Liver injury
Dr. Meera highlighted the risks of overdose with medications like Tylenol. “Many multi-symptom cold, flu, and pain products contain acetaminophen, often leading to unintentional double dosing,” she explained. “Even a minor overdose, if repeated, can cause significant liver damage.”
Dr. Sonia agreed, noting that taking Tylenol alongside cold medicines containing acetaminophen stresses the liver. “While Tylenol is milder on the stomach, kidneys, and heart than ibuprofen or aspirin,” she added, “exceeding the dose affects the liver.”
She advised individuals with severe liver conditions, heavy alcohol consumers, or those on warfarin to consult their doctor before using Tylenol.
Rania emphasized that individuals with frequent or chronic pain should see a specialist to investigate the root causes and receive appropriate treatment recommendations.
