The government has issued new guidelines on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, reassuring the public that the medicine remains safe when taken as directed.
In a press statement released on October 2, 2025, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) sought to clarify concerns over possible health risks associated with paracetamol use by expectant mothers.
“The Board wishes to address concerns regarding the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy,” read part of the PPB statement.
The regulator emphasised that the pain and fever relief medicine remains a trusted option for pregnant women, provided it is administered under medical supervision.
Guidelines on Paracetamol for Pregnant Women
In its advisory, the PPB outlined three critical guidelines for expectant mothers.
Also Read: Govt Recalls Paracetamol, Warns Against Use
Pregnant women are urged to use it only when necessary, at the correct dose and duration, and strictly under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
The board also issued the following guidelines:
- Use only when necessary – The medicine should be taken only when needed, at the correct dose and duration, strictly under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
- Avoid self-medication – Pregnant women should not take any medicine without guidance from a qualified health professional.
- Seek professional counselling – Healthcare providers are encouraged to counsel pregnant women on safe and appropriate use of paracetamol and other medicines during pregnancy.
“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board remains committed to ensuring that all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, meet the highest standards of safety, quality and efficacy,” said Dr Ahmed I. Mohamed, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the PPB.
PPB also called on healthcare professionals to play an active role in counselling expectant mothers about the safe and appropriate use of the medicine and other medicines during pregnancy.
No Conclusive Evidence Linking It to Disorders
The PPB acknowledged that some studies have suggested a possible link between paracetamol’s use in pregnancy and conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
However, the regulator stated that there is no definitive scientific evidence confirming these associations.
Also Read: Govt Recalls Paracetamol, Warns Against Use
“Our Pharmacovigilance Division has not received any reports linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to ASD or ADHD,” said Ahmed.
“We continue to monitor the safety of medicines used during pregnancy to protect the health of both mothers and children,” he added.
According to the Board, the drug is one of the most widely used medicines in Kenya and globally, and it has maintained a strong safety record when used correctly.
It encouraged members of the public and healthcare workers to report any suspected side effects through its official reporting channels, including the Pharmacovigilance electronic system, the MVPERS mobile app, and the USSD code *271#.
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