When former US president Donald Trump claimed that Tylenol, known in Pakistan as Panadol, could cause autism in children, his remarks created panic among many parents in Karachi. Doctors at Aga Khan University said they were flooded with calls and emails from worried mothers over the weekend, many of them feeling guilt and fear about taking Panadol during pregnancy.
Read more: India retires MiG-21 jets after six decades
Developmental paediatricians quickly clarified that there is no scientific proof linking Panadol use in pregnancy with autism. Experts explained that autism is a complex condition caused by genetic and environmental factors, not by common painkillers or vaccines.
They stressed that Panadol remains one of the safest medicines for pregnant women when used only when necessary.
Global health bodies, including the World Health Organization and UK regulators, also rejected Trump’s statement, saying there is no evidence that acetaminophen (Panadol) causes autism.
Medical specialists added that some studies show associations, but they do not prove causation. Autism researchers warned that oversimplified claims risk misleading parents and spreading unnecessary fear.
Doctors in Karachi urged mothers not to blame themselves and reminded them that autism is a spectrum disorder with multiple causes.
While Panadol should not be used without need, they stressed it does not cause autism. Some parents expressed doubt about Trump’s claim, while others rushed to doctors for reassurance, showing how deeply such statements affect families already coping with health concerns.
