Accumulating evidence suggests that the use of acetaminophen increases the risk of developing asthma and that its widespread use has contributed to the increasing prevalence of asthma.
Study design: To investigate the immediate effect of a single dose of acetaminophen on airways reactivity and inflammation in asthmatic and controls. A double blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 42 asthmatic children and 21 healthy age-matched controls. Each participant received one oral dose of acetaminophen (15 mg/kg [160 mg/mL]) and one dose of a volume-matched placebo. Physical examination, spirometry results, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels were assessed before and 60 minutes following acetaminophen or placebo ingestion.
Results: None of the studied variables showed any significant change after acetaminophen or placebo ingestion in either the asthmatic or the control groups.
Conclusions: One single dose of acetaminophen neither evokes a bronchoconstriction response nor an increase in airway inflammation in children with asthma.