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Acetaminophen use in pregnant patients

Question# 848

I treated a patient with 1,000 mg of Acetaminphen P.O.. The patient had a possible fx. wrist. The patient is 2 months pregnant. On arrival at the ER,
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:

You are correct in stating that acetaminophen has been deemed safe for pregnant patients. It is known to cross the placental barrier however research has shown that there is no increased risk of major congenital malformations, miscarriage, or still birth. Some studies reported a possible association between Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risks of fetal neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders. However, more recent studies with lower bias risks have not supported this association. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), along with several international societies, view the evidence for this causation as weak and flawed.

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

Published

05 November 2024

ALSPCS Version

5.3

Views

135

Please reference the MOST RECENT ALS PCS for updates and changes to these directives.