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Acetaminophen May Increase Risk of Asthma

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Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is considered one of the safest drugs in the pharmacy. But a new analysis of 19 studies suggests that this popular pain reliever may have a previously unsuspected downside. Both children and adults seem more likely to develop wheezing or asthma after exposure to acetaminophen. Pregnant women should be especially careful, since exposure in the womb increases the risk of asthma by about 30 percent. Parents may also want to consult a pediatrician before routinely giving their child acetaminophen for a fever. High doses may triple the risk of asthma. Acetaminophen remains a useful drug in treating childhood fever and pain, but it should not be taken for granted.

[Chest, Nov. 2009]

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I have taken tylenol without any problems ever since it came on the market and never had problems with it. It is the best product that I have taken for my aches and pains. I am unable to take aspirin and others that contain aspirin. I feel that many would like to see tylenol gone from those who need it, as I do.

Very useful advice, I work in an Emergency Room and will advise our physicians when child with history of asthma comes in with fever- don't want to be adding to their problems!!

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