Study Finds Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Safe for Infants

A large study has found that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe for infants. Neither medication was linked to an increased risk of eczema or bronchiolitis during a baby's first year of life. These findings challenge previous concerns about a potential connection between acetaminophen use in infancy and later health conditions.

The study, conducted in New Zealand, followed nearly four thousand babies from birth. Researchers randomly assigned half of the infants to receive acetaminophen and the other half to receive ibuprofen when medication was needed for fever or pain. This was a randomized controlled trial, considered the gold standard for research.

At regular intervals, parents reported on their children's health, including instances of eczema, asthma symptoms, or bronchiolitis. The research team also examined prescription information and hospital records. The results showed no statistically significant difference in the rates of eczema or bronchiolitis between the two groups.

Approximately sixteen percent of babies in the acetaminophen group developed eczema, compared to fifteen percent in the ibuprofen group. Bronchiolitis affected about five percent of children in each group. No serious side effects were attributed to either medication. The study provides strong reassurance for parents and healthcare professionals regarding the use of these common pain relievers in infants.

This research is part of a larger project, the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in the Primary Prevention of Asthma in Tamariki (PIPPA Tamariki) study. Participants will continue to be monitored until age six. Future results will investigate potential long-term links between early medication use and conditions like asthma, hay fever, and developmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.