Paracetamol Dangerous for Infants

Scientists have found that paracetamol is able to intervene in the formation of a child’s brain. It sometimes can seriously harm an unborn baby, as told by the staff at Uppsala University.

Effect of paracetamol

Scientists have tried the effect of such a popular drug on ten-day-old mice (they were given moderate doses of the drug). When the rodents became a bit older, their behavior was tested. The mice that used to receive paracetamol, were hyperactive, had different behavioral disorders, and reduced functional memory.

According to experts, paracetamol, which is present in the child’s body at a certain point of development, may not affect cognitive function, but is able to change reactions to the drug in adulthood.

Can pregnant women take paracetamol?

Doctors warn pregnant women who are in the last stages of pregnancy to take paracetamol cautiously. The same applies to young children. It should only be considered a symptomatic relief from fever. It is important to remember that the temperature equal to or less than 38 degrees shouldn’t be lowered. It is safe. It occurs when the body is fighting the infection. Moreover, if you give antipyretics at temperatures lower than 38, you’ll disrupt the natural process, and the baby will be sick for a longer time.

Dangers of paracetamol overdose

Beside the harm of paracetamol as such, its overdose is also dangerous. It is no secret that when you exceed the permissible norms, paracetamol causes toxic liver damage and affect heart rhythms, even in healthy people.