Tylenol. It’s in every medicine cabinet, too easy to get your hands on, and is recommended by “experts” for every kid ailment known to man. But the truth is … it’s bad bad bad and you should throw it out, run away from anyone who says you should use it, and never look back.
Recommending Tylenol to a kid for anything short of a train wreck is going to go down as one of the worst pieces of medical advice known to man. Why? Because it’s dangerous and it doesn’t work (at least not the way you think it does).
Tylenol Makes Big Money and Can Cause Big Side Effects
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) hit the scene in 1955 as a “prescription only” pain reliever, was making bank just a few years later, was acquired by Johnson and Johnson in 1959, and was available over the counter within a year after that. Tylenol has been a hugely successful product, making its billions off of parents who give it to their kids post-vaccine, post-nasal drip, during a cold, and for serious things like hang nail pains and 99 degree “send me over the edge” fevers.
But here’s my beef: Tylenol is toxic and has a very narrow margin of error – meaning that taking the tiniest amount more than what’s needed could cause serious harm. There’s a reason that most acetaminophen-containing products have a “black box warning” (the FDA’s strongest drug label warning). It’s because acetaminophen is associated with side-effects that could scare the socks off a cat.
Tylenol Doesn’t Do What You Think it Does
That whole spiel (if you even had one) about Tylenol having about zero side-effects? WRONG. This was a case of “take this cute little pill now,” get autism later that should have been researched, discovered, and disclosed back in the day when they started passing this junk out like hopped up M & M’s.
If you’re giving your child Tylenol for pain, a fever, or worse … giving it preemptively (prior to a procedure or vaccinations), you should know that it doesn’t do what you think it does. Tylenol doesn’t reduce pain, is a neurotoxic endocrine disruptor, is harmful to a developing fetus, and is even more harmful to babies and small children whose bodies’ can’t clear the drug.
Tylenol may cause autism in boys if taken during pregnancy, attention-related disorders, sex and hormone dysfunction in both genders, and hyperactivity (ADHD). It inhibits the ability to feel empathy (another person’s pain) and glutathione production (which helps the body handle toxins).
Tylenol is the number one cause of acute liver failure in children, sends 60,000 Americans to the hospital each year, results in 100,000 calls to Poison Control, can cause death and fatal skin reactions, and could be a huge player in the autism epidemic.
It’s called … “Acetaminophen-induced Autism.”
“Autism could be an acetaminophen-induced brain injury facilitated by oxidative stress and inflammation in newborns and young children.”
Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with a greater number of autism spectrum symptoms in males and showed adverse effects on attention-related outcomes for both genders.
What the what!?
But wait, it gets better. A 2008 study conducted by an epidemiologist showed that children who were given Tylenol after their MMR vaccine developed autism eight times as often as children given ibuprofen. In another study, males who were uncircumcised (and thus, were not given pain-relieving Tylenol), had a five times lower risk of autism. The studies go on and on.
I know … you’re in shock because you probably have this stuff in your medicine cabinet or gave it to your kid back in the day before you made friends with that crunchy mom who told you fevers are a good thing. You’re probably getting ready to speed dial your mom right now because you’re putting all sorts of “two-and-two” together and are having a mini-panic attack.
You’re probably wondering why you can’t get your hands on some homeopathic teething tablets (pulled from the shelves because they were causally connected to infant mustache growth), but can give baby boo liver damage in a bottle like it ain’t no thing.
Now might not be the best time to tell you that Tylenol contains the following very special ingredients:
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (a thickening agent), carrageenan (associated with cancer and gastrointestinal disease), citric acid, flavor, glycerin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol (a common ingredient in antifreeze that could be neurotoxic), propylparaben (a hazardous substance and endocrine disruptor), purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, and of course – acetaminophen.
Don’t be fooled, the FDA is completely aware of the dangers associated acetaminophen. They promised to implement safety measures and dosage restrictions, warnings, and safety measures to protect consumers from the harms of Tylenol way back when, but never followed through. It’s been 40 years and they haven’t done a thing. Tylenol makes way too much money and you know about the FDA’s impressive ability to write-off children damaged by billion dollar industries.
What are you supposed to do if you can’t give your kid Tylenol?
You have a few options:
- Forgo any unnecessary procedure that would require you to use it or ask for an alternative.
- Stop giving your children Tylenol preemptively in anticipation of preventing some sort of issue that they may not even get.
- Do not take Tylenol if you’re pregnant. (Take a warm bath with epsom salt instead).
- Do not … under ANY circumstance … give Tylenol to your children before or after their vaccinations. Adding something toxic to a concoction of neurotoxins, hazardous wastes, and carcinogens and expecting an under-developed liver to be able to handle the load, is like taking a blow torch to a fart.
- Stop poppin’ the top every time little boo gets a low-grade fever.
- Opt for natural pain relievers and at-home remedies instead of acetaminophen. There’s a lot of woo out there that works and doesn’t contain a black box “could kill ya” warning.
It’s not the 90s anymore and we can’t pretend that Tylenol is safe. We have to protect our children when those who are supposed to put the safeguards in place, don’t. That’s why we should probably stop giving our kids Tylenol.
Being a retired Labor and delivery RN, I see meds come and go for pregnant women and for newborns. Thirty years ago tylenol was the only drug because aspirin was related to Reyes syndrome. Then there was the tylenol that was laced with poison..Tylenol has never been a good drug for anyone. In my practice all of a sudden docs no longer used tylenol for women in pregnancy and now its not used on children as much. Watch the autism epidemic slow down.
Rage is the only emotion I feel when I read this article. You know what is a major player in the autism epidemic? People who feel the undying need to associate their child’s autism with whatever they can.
1) When given with the correct dosing (10-15mg/kg every 4-6 hours *as needed*; 1kg = 2.2lbs, just fyi) Tylenol won’t harm your child.
2) Of course it’s the #1 cause of acute liver failure in children – because you conveniently didn’t mention that children = 1-18 years old and that many adolescents take it to intentionally (or sometimes unintentionally) overdose. I know this because I used to do rounds with the Poison Center and now I work in the ER at a hospital. Of course it’s the #1 cause of liver failure in children – when you overdose it on your child because you’re an idiot and can’t do math, you’re going to kill their liver.
3) You straight up lied about how Tylenol after MMR vaccination gives children autism because you cited an article that did a poorly designed case control study where the case group consisted of children who had autism BEFORE they got the vaccine – you can’t say Tylenol causes autism in children who had autism before taking Tylenol. Also, it’s not even a peer reviewed article, so it’s not legit at all.
Come on. Stop spouting this nonsense and doing things like highlighting the inactive ingredients to make them seem scary. You know what else causes cancer? The sun. The air we breathe that’s filled with pollutants. I won’t even say anymore because of how done I am with wasting my time on this ridiculous hippy dippy article.
– Your local Doctor of Pharmacy
I’m so sorry you feel that way, S.
Of coarse seeing the comment that was written by “Local Doctor of Big PHARMA” explains it all! I agree with this article and watched my friends kids suffer from autism, autoimmune deseases and much more because of your big Pharma “help”. No thanks! Stop leading people the wrong way when they’re are waking up to this evil!
Well as a grandparent of a child who was given Tylenol after 7 vaccines including MMR. I know the truth he was a beautiful bright boy hitting all of his milestones then he lost his language stills and started stimming and is behind in every area now. Please don’t use Tylenol or any product with acetaminophen anyone who says it’s safe are probably working for the big pharmaceutical companies. My grandson was given Motrin until then and I know tylenol causes decreases in glutilione which effects your brain. Also his mom was very sick and died after he was born took lots of Tylenol for pain.
Children being overloaded with toxins are what is causing autism. Tylenol after vaccines does cause issues. Children aren’t meant to be loaded up with drugs and toxins. Of coarse we are having an autism epidemic. My son never recovered from his horrible reaction to vaccines. This is happening to children everyday. You can make light of it all you want and discount the thousands of parents stories like mine, but the good news is that people are seeing it with their own eyes. People are waking up to the dangers of vaccines and too many prescription drugs.
Absolutely Lori & AMEN! 😇 Autism is caused by TOXIC OVERLOAD period. Vaccines, Tylenol etc. Just watch how the HEALTHY 2020 ADULT VACCINE PLAN will end up causing adults AUTISM/ENCEPHALITIS. It will start happening with adults as soon as their bodies are compromised with too many toxins in the vaccines, just like about 1 in 50 of our sick kids. 😕
I highly recommend everyone read the actual MMR vaccine insert that states as an adverse reaction, ENCEPHALITIS/BRAIN INFLAMMATION=AUTISM. Of course no doctor or nurse reads those so they have NO idea what a vaccine reaction even looks like! 😧
Seeing the documentary VAXXED was life changing for my husband & I. http://www.vaxxedthemovie.com
Parents stories all around the world don’t lie! Watch them here:
http://www.vaxxed.com 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for correcting so many of the errors of this article, with actual knowledge and science. Paracetamol is used in millions of doses all over the world, with very little harm except in huge overdose. AND, children are more tolerant than adults. It;s not recommended for “every ailment” – but for easing the discomfort of pain and high fever.
Thank you! Finally an educated individual, not one claiming conspiracy theory about EVERYTHING (oh, but buy MY oils that make me LOTS of money)!
Homeopathics have always worked great for my children. Way better pain relief than Tylenol has ever been!
Homeopathics don’t actually “work” – they don’t contain any active ingredients. If your children didn’t have severe pain and got better spontaneously, they likely didn;t need medicine at all.
Of course there are no “active” ingredients. Homeopathy is based off of like cure’s like, the minimum dose, and single remedy. 😉
Megan, you are awesome. Good for you for being brave, bold and truthful about what ethical and non-manipulated research shows against the filth CDC and other affiliated groups are broadcasting. Sure, the original theory of vaccines sounds good but they are not made with ethical or safe ingredients.. and the fact that the CDC has covered up, manipulated and lied about so much. I don’t trust them. Each parent needs to do their own research!! Our people.. our nation.. our future is being poisoned. We need more doctors that are willing to take the stand and give parents the total information package about vaccines and medications they are prescribing to men, women, children and precious babies. I’ve been watching The Truth About Vaccines documentary, which is being shown for free for the past week, and they touched on how acetaminophen damages your liver and when given before/after vaccines, their bodies aren’t able to rid themselves of the toxic toxic chemicals being shot into them. So sad! Breaks my heart.
I am grateful that I stumbled across your blog and enjoy reading your posts! You are a wonderful woman and no doubt a great mama to your kiddos. I have a 16 month old daughter and am thankful for the knowledge I have gleaned from various resources and blogs like yours – I look forward to learning more! The Lord has special plans for your life Megan.. you have a life-experience resume unlike many women your age and He IS using that and will continue to use you to move mountains in His kingdom.
When I read your articles, I feel as though you are a fiesty best friend 😉 drawing out bravery and courage in me to stand strong against the strong current of our culture. To educate myself and protect my family from the things our society says are okay because if my husband and I don’t, nobody will. Thanks for being that for me!
Aw. Thanks for reading Kellie and for the very kind words. So glad you are here! <3
Hello, my son got the vitamin K shot at birth a month ago. Was wondering if he is too young for episode salt baths.
What if your baby has febrile seizures?
I was told after citing your article, and I quote “My understanding is that the level that is dangerous for a child isn’t close to the dose on the bottle. That may be true for adults, but when my kids got a hold of some medicine (I think it was Tylenol–might have been Motrin), poison control told me the dose on the bottle is the estimate of what will be effective to curb pain for that child so that the child’s body doesn’t take in more than it needs to do the job. It is not even close to the dose that is dangerous levels (that’s like 10 times the dose on the package or something).” – end of quote. Your response?
2 things because I don’t have time or energy to say all of the things I have been thinking since finishing reading this post.
1) Correlation does not equal causation
And 2) I’ve looked into your research articles and while they may say something along the lines of what you are using them to say, you have only taken a part of the article and gave it your own perspective. The article about Tylenol reducing empathy? The researchers were trying to determine if not feeling pain took away empathy for another’s pain, as it has been shown through brain scans that feeling pain creates empathy for another’s pain. They were not saying that taking Tylenol will make you a less empathetic person.
I noticed other things in other articles as well, and that some were in Australia and medical procedures there are not necessarily regulated the same way as they are in the U.S. I don’t know where you are from, so it may be accurate to you, however it cannot be generalized to everywhere. Lastly, one random study with findings like these would need to be repeated and repeated and repeated before it would mean anything at all.
While I don’t think overmedicating is a good idea, acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that has its purpose when used correctly. No medication is completely safe, you are correct in that. But I wouldn’t go so far to tell everyone that it’s causing Autism or that they shouldn’t give it to their children.
There are now 10 human studies, plus animal and genetic studies which suggest acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase risk of offspring adverse neurodevelopment, to include autism and ADHD. Links to the research summaries can be found here: Facebook.com/acetaminophenresearch/
We have less evidence ( because of lack of research) on the use of acetaminophen by infants and the effects on neurodevelopment. However, one small study found a large increase in risk when used after the MMR and two studies suggest use by males for circumcision pain may also increase autism risk. A new review by researchers at Harvard and Duke summarizes the existing research and suggests that infant use may be most harmful. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0300060517693423
Tylenol does not have a black box warning. Tylenol with codeine does, because of the codeine.
I would just like to point out that for those of you who suffer from the occasional headache, fever, and discomfort, you are lucky. You can afford to take your Epsom salt bath and call it a day. I am a parent of a child who suffers from periodic fevers which occur every 2-3 weeks and lasts for a week at a time- she gets no relief unless I give her an anti-inflammatory (Tylenol or ibuprofen). It brings her fever down so she can eat, drink, and basically function until her body gets over her fever flare on its own. My child has a “mild” case of this, there are others who take strong medicines to combat their disease because otherwise they would be in extreme pain (swollen joints, high fevers, abdominal pain, it goes on). These are autoinflammatory diseases. Nothing environmental caused it, it’s not a bad choice Mom made when pregnant; it’s a genetic disease, in most cases (except PFAPA which is not). The parents of these kids also choose to vaccinate because they know that the benefits outweigh the risks- being equipped to fight the common flu, polio, measles…so while you can sit back and point fingers at Big Pharma, realize that there is a real science behind medicine, and while there will always be skepticism, not every study is legitimately scientifically sound. The dosage on the bottle of Tylenol is supposedly on the lighter end- get admitted to the hospital for a high fever and you’ll probably get a higher dose given to you.
The website I’m attaching to my name is an autoinflammatory database. I hope none of you ever have to search through it. You’re pretty privileged that you don’t need to.
Some pointers- carageenan is a product of kelp. Lightning is more likely to kill you than carageenan. Those homeopathic fever reducers are made of belladonna, which we all know (hopefully) that is a lethal plant but crunchy moms seem to think it’s still ok despite not being FDA-approved (aka not actually tested to see if it hurts your child) and despite it being linked to infant deaths/injuries.
While I tend to not give Tylenol until the fever is causing my child to scream out in pain, I try not to over-medicate as well, but to say to throw Tylenol out is overgeneralizing. It’s medicine- use it lightly, follow the directions.
Interesting, my grandson suffered from fevers so badly he started having seizures…regularly. The neuro’s remedy was ativan regularly. Hmm grandchild was taken to a thoracic chiropractor that specialized in pediatrics….. has been fever and seizure free for over 3 years. Western medicine is NOT always the answer.
Sandy, RN
Where are your sources? There’s a lot of made up facts here.
The citations are HYPERLINKED in this POST in coral font. Nothing made up here (except the satire, which is all me).
Some people apparently don’t know how to read a blog post…”Gee, I wonder why there are random blue words in this article ?? … She must have done an amateur job at editing.”
These are all facts, and a wonderful, amazing article full of nothing but truth. Thank you for this article, from a mother whose child was murdered by J&J phantom recall (2008-2010) of infants and Children’s Tylenol.
Ok, I’m with you. So what do i reach for when my kid has double molars coming in and 2 Baltic Amber necklace just aren’t cutting it? He’s screaming in pain, and won’t chew when it’s hurting so bad.
Well according to mainstream you’re not allowed to use anything. I use homeopathic teething tablets, essential oils, and a cold wash cloth he can bite down on. I nurse more, hold more, and soothe more.
Your poor kiddo! Clove oil numbs the gums, you can make your own by buying cloves from the store and putting olove oil over the cloves and letting it sit. It gets more potent over time, and it works!
Laura, I shifted over to essential oils about 18 months ago and WOW what a life changing decision. We are healthier because of it and almost never use any OTC anything anymore. If you are interested in learning more about essential oils email me. [email protected]. I have tons of resources to share!!! Quality of oils and safety are highest priority!
Before I knew better, I let me baby boy have a few of the vaccinations required prior to 12 months. AND gave him Tylenol afterwards when he got a fever as a result. Now I am worried this may have caused damage as he is a fairly hyper two year old. Too late to reverse any damage possibly done? You articles have truly enlightened me Megan and been eye openers. Thank you for all you do!
I’m a RN. DONT BELIEVE THIS ARTICLE OF MADE UP LIES.
Hi “Nurse,” exactly which citation are you referring to? Because there are a lot of nurses and physicians who read this blog who don’t agree with you. Bests, Megan
I was very surprised to read this article. I do not vaccinate any of my 3 children, we eat healthy the good majority of the time and I like to think we’re all in good conscious health. My obgyn would ONLY recommend tylenol when I was pregnant, he said anything with a spring would be harmful and I believed him. I give my kids tylenol for pretty much every fever or teething episode. I feel very on edge and misguided by my health care professionals after reading this article and intend on looking more into it. Thank you for sharing.
Anything with asprin**
Heather, your health care professionals have studied this stuff for years and practice every day. This is simply an article without a lot of credentials and was written with a lot of emotion. But you are smart to look into, just don’t discredit your doctors because of one article.
Hi LB, Can you clarify what “this stuff” is? Because doctors don’t study about the effects of Tylenol for years and they’ve been wrong on a LOT of things before – like x-rays for pregnant women, thalidomide, vioxx, safety of smoking, hand washing, the microbiome, I could go on and on and on. The citations are hyperlinked in this post (studies conducted by people with the credentials you hail) and Tylenol isn’t safe.
Megan, there are many errors in your article. Let’s go through them systematically:
“recommended by “experts” for every kid ailment known to man.” Not true. It;s recommended for pain or fever that causes significant discomfort.
“dangerous and doesn;t work”. For one of the most commonly used substances, it’s extremely safe (except in major overdoses), especially in children, and it is an effective relief for fever and mild to moderate pain.
“Tylenol is toxic and has a very narrow margin of error – meaning that taking the tiniest amount more than what’s needed could cause serious harm.” SERIOUSLY incorrect. A toxic dose of acetominophen for children is about 150-200 mg poer kg (ref http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/820200-overview) – this is more than TEN TIMES the therapeutic dose.
There is no mechanism for acetaminophen to be “neurotoxic” OR an “endocrine disruptor”. Your reference has been discredited: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/1833483
Acetaminophen IS effective for mild pain. Your reference is a study of whether it improved ow-back pain long-term. A real study of efficacy is here:
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/485730
The autism assertion has been discussed in another comment.
Acetaminophen is the major cause of liver failure in children IN MASSIVE OVERDOSE, and only because liver failure is rare in children – they don’t drink alcohol. For the number of doses used daily, all over the world, the incidence of liver failure is vanishingly small.
The reference you quote from the journal Autism 2008 is based on a parental survey – not any kind of controlled trial. ANother of your references says “We found significantly more children with ASD vs. non- ASD children change to the use of ibuprofen when acetaminophen is not effective at reducing fever (p = 0.033) and theorize this change in use is due to endocannabinoid system dysfunction.” That says nothing about causation, and it is known that ibuprofen is a good antipyretic, but which causes more sife-effects than acetaminophen.
The additional ingredients in the tablet preparation are innocuous (although kids are generally given syrup). Just using chemical names isn’t scary – all substances are composed of chemicals.
In summary, your article contains a multitude of errors. It is preferable for someone without an understanding of pharmacology not to give public advice on medical matters to others.
Sue … I had to stop after your first two points when I realized you didn’t pick up on my satire.
For clarification purposes, I don’t give advice. I give my opinion and I 100% stand by it and my citations.
With respect,
Megan
Yea my midwife said Tylenol while pregnant and Advil when nursing.
We don’t use meds a lot but when baby’s fevers get high ive heard to alternate Tylenol and Advil.
So because some stay at home mommy said Tylenol is bad you now feel misguided by the experts who spent YEARS training in exactly that field?? Please, trust your doctors, not a blogger on the internet with no medical training. Your statement is the equivalent of saying, “my electrician said the wiring is correct, but the pet store clerk said it’s wrong! I feel so betrayed!”
That was a bit rude…No, trust your gut as a Mom/Wife, Research & Pray…Doctors still only “practice medicine” and any good one will tell you that. You can use their knowledge and proceed from there. Penicillin was found by accident, life savers for some, killers for others..do not discredit one who researches for the good of her family and shares what she finds.
Go away troll!!!