Acetaminophen use in pregnant patients
Question# 848
the RN that I gave a report to, questioned my use of Acetaminophen with a pregnant patient.
When I reviewed the ALSPCS, the only analgesia that has a listed contraindication for pregnancy are NSAIDS. This patient was NOT in labour and labour being a contraindication for narcotic pain medications.
Any thing I can find on Acetaminophen states it is safe during pregnancy, with a max daily dose of 4000 mg
Does BHP have any further information on this subject.
Answer:
Available data states that there is no increased risk associated with short-term use of acetaminophen at recommended doses. Furthermore, acetaminophen is the recommended first-line treatment option for pain management in pregnancy when medically indicated. Dose adjustments for pregnant patients are not recommended and the doses of acetaminophen in the Advanced Life Support-Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS) are appropriate for pregnant patients.
Regarding dosing, 4000mg would be the daily cumulative max dose amount for an adult. However, due to risk for hepatotoxicity, some experts recommend a lower maximum dose of 3g per day.
References
Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Drug information - UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acetaminophen-paracetamol-drug-informationsearch=tylenol%20in%20pregnancy&source=panel_search_result&selectedTitle=1%7E150&usage_type=panel&kp_tab=drug_general&display_rank=1#F129300
Ahlqvist, V. H., Sjöqvist, H., Dalman, C., Karlsson, H., Stephansson, O., Johansson, S., Magnusson, C., Gardner, R. M., & Lee, B. K. (2024). Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. JAMA, 331(14), 1205. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406)
Statement on the use of acetaminophen for analgesia and fever in pregnancy:
https://sogc.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Latest%20News/EN_Statement-Acetaminophen_16Nov2021.pdf