Parents reassured: reports of link between paracetamol and asthma incidence in children clarified

The New Zealand Self Medication Industry (NZSMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products, says media reports today of an observational study by University of Otago, Wellington into paracetamol use in children and later onset of asthma should be treated with caution.

“Paracetamol has a very long history of safe use in children,” says Tim Roper, executive director of the NZSMI.

“Although we have not yet seen the research, we note that the study’s author Professor Julian Crane has already said that the latest research has not found a causal link.

“Often the link between the drug being taken and the condition cannot be directly related, that is, it is not causal.

“The benefit of paracetamol taken appropriately in the correct dosage outweighs any risks of increasing the possibility of asthma later in the child’s life.”

Mr Roper says, however, that parents and caregivers need to ensure that overuse is not a factor, especially in very young children, and he advises them to talk to a GP or pharmacist if no improvement is seen within 24 hours.

He adds paracetamol has been available for more than 50 years in New Zealand and the vast majority of children using it as directed experience no undesirable effects.

ENDS

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