Tylenol While Pregnant
Acetaminophen Treatment For Colds During Pregnancy

Tylenol While Pregnant

Contents

• Is Tylenol Safe During Pregnancy?
• When Can Pregnant Women Take It?
• FDA Rating/Categorization

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For further information:
Guide To Pregnancy

Is Tylenol Safe During Pregnancy?

Tylenol is a brand name for the drug acetaminophen, commonly used for the treatment of colds and flu. Tylenol tablets and gel caplets have not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. However, it is routinely used for short term relief of pain and/or fever during pregnancy at all stages. It is believed to be safe for treating flu during pregnancy when used intermittently for short periods.

When Can Pregnant Women Take It?

Tylenol should only be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established. Tylenol Regular Strength tablets are available over the counter at pharmacies and can help alleviate headaches, pains and sore throats. Maximum adult dosage is up to 2 tablets or 650 mg every four hours. However, pay close attention to the ingredients on other Tylenol branded medications, as these may contain ingredients other than just acetaminophen. For example, aspirin (which should be avoided) is sometimes called salicylate or acetylsalicylic acid. Other OTC Tylenol medications include:

• Tylenol Cold and Cough Daytime
• Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom Severe
• Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom Daytime
• Tylenol Cold Multi Symptom Nighttime

Generally these products are considered safe during pregnancy, but check with your doctor, obstetrician or pharmacist before using.

Article: Is the flu dangerous during pregnancy?

FDA Rating During Pregnancy

All medications receive a FDA pregnancy category safety rating from A to D, X and N (see below). A is considered the safest but is usually only reserved for ingredients in prenatal vitamins. B is the next layer which means the product has been tested to some degree in pregnancy and no evidence of birth defects have been reported. Tylenol, although not yet assigned, is considered a risk B drug. Aspirin on the other hand is a considered a risk D category drug. Before taking any medication while pregnant always discuss options with your doctor first.

Category	Description
A	Adequate controlled studies in pregnant women have NOT shown an increased risk of fetal abnormalities at any trimester of pregnancy.
B	Animal studies have revealed NO evidence of harm to the fetus, but, there are no adequate controlled medical studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies HAVE shown an adverse effect but controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.
C	Animal studies HAVE shown an adverse effect but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
D	Adequate well-controlled or observational studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus and pregnancy complications. However, the benefits of therapy may outweigh the potential risk. For example, aspirin in therapy may be acceptable if needed in a life-threatening situation such as preeclampsia. See also aspirin during pregnancy.
X	Adequate well-controlled or observational studies in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities or risks. The use of the product should never be used by women who are or may be planning to become pregnant.
N	FDA has not categorized the drug.

The FDA system of categorizing drugs is not always reliable. For example, there is a natural tendency to assume that a category B drug is less harmful than a category C drug. However, a category B drug need only be tested adequately on animals, not on humans. Due to the ethical considerations, many drugs in reality probably cannot be researched in pregnancy on humans. That said, despite its shortcomings, the FDA system is still useful as a fast ‘first screen’ on the potential risks of drugs to pregnant women and their fetuses.

Don't worry if you are still a little confused, most scientists are too! Looking after your health in pregnancy is important so check out the prenatal care guide.

Recent Study

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal of 4,700 women who had experienced a miscarriage revealed that 7.5 percent had taken some type of pain relief. The findings support UK NHS advice that expectant moms who experience pain or fever like symptoms should stick to Tylenol (or paracetamol) rather than Ibuprofen - particularly in the first and final trimesters.

Related Articles

For more about mommy care, see the following:

• Birthing Centers - The comforts of home and a midwife on call.
• Early Signs of Pregnancy - Metallic taste in mouth, spotting.
• Waterbirths - Alternative to hospital births.
• Birthing Classes - Lamaze or bradley?

Return to Homepage: Womens Health Advice