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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines used to temporarily treat minor to moderate pain and inflammation related to everything from arthritis, muscle aches, backaches, headaches, toothaches, sprains, strains, and menstrual cramps. They can also be used to reduce fevers and body aches associated with the flu or common cold. NSAIDs are one of two major types of oral over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, with the other being acetaminophen. There are two types of NSAIDs – oral and topical. Oral NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes in the body that produce chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Topical NSAIDs, applied to the skin over a painful area, produce a local effect.
Complete our Pain Reliever Assessment to learn how your personal risk factors can influence which OTC pain relievers you should use.
Symptoms Treated
Symptoms Treated
More specifically:
Minor to moderate aches and pains, fevers. Also symptoms associated with the common cold and with menstruation
Common Products
Oral OTC NSAIDs:
- Bufferin®
Contains the active ingredient Aspirin
- DIUREX®
- Doan’s®
Contains the active ingredient Magnesium Salicylate
Topical OTC NSAIDs:
- BENGAY® Deep Heating®
- Flexall®
- Icy Hot®
- LISTERINE®
- Satogesic®
- THERA-GESIC®
Contains the active ingredient Methyl Salicylate
Dosing Information
A Note to Families:
While you might have seen media reports or social media posts on observational studies examining potential associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes (such as autism), it’s important to note that these studies do not demonstrate a causal relationship. In other words, there is currently no scientific evidence establishing that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental conditions.
Quick Facts:
1. Scientific and medical authorities around the world recognize acetaminophen as the only analgesic considered safe for use throughout an entire pregnancy when used according to the Drug Facts label.
2. There are no studies showing that acetaminophen use in children or during pregnancy causes autism.
3. Autism has many known risk factors, including genetics, but there is no clear, single cause.
4. Major health authorities like the FDA, CDC, and healthcare organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) do not have warnings against acetaminophen use during pregnancy based on any known risk of autism and all recommend acetaminophen as the safest analgesic to use during pregnancy for short-term pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is acetaminophen used during pregnancy?
Scientific and medical authorities around the world recognize acetaminophen as the only pain reliever and fever reducer considered safe for use throughout an entire pregnancy when used according to the Drug Facts label, which specifically reminds pregnant women to always consult their healthcare provider before use. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that: "Acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy.”
What is autism and does current science indicate what causes it?
Autism is a complex condition with many contributing factors, including genetic, environmental, and prenatal. Most scientists agree that the causes of autism are not simple, nor can they be traced back to one single factor like medication.
In fact, the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a non-profit organization funding scientific autism research, specifically states that: it is disingenuous and misleading to boil autism's causes down to one simple thing," as there are hundreds of genes linked to autism in addition to other complex environmental factors.
Additionally, the most recent and rigorous research on this topic does not show a causal link to autism. The 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed nearly 2.5 million children using the gold-standard sibling comparison method, which controls for shared genetics and family environment, and found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy or infancy and neurodevelopmental issues such as autism.
In fact, the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), a non-profit organization funding scientific autism research, specifically states that: it is disingenuous and misleading to boil autism's causes down to one simple thing," as there are hundreds of genes linked to autism in addition to other complex environmental factors.
Additionally, the most recent and rigorous research on this topic does not show a causal link to autism. The 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed nearly 2.5 million children using the gold-standard sibling comparison method, which controls for shared genetics and family environment, and found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy or infancy and neurodevelopmental issues such as autism.
Why is it important to address fever during pregnancy?
High or long-lasting fevers can harm both the mother and baby and should be taken very seriously. Risks associated with leaving a fever untreated include birth defects, preterm labor, miscarriage, dehydration, or problems with the placenta, which significantly outweigh the risk of treatment.
What do regulatory authorities and major health organizations say?
The CDC and FDA agree acetaminophen is the safest analgesic to use during pregnancy for short-term pain relief, and recommend women to be cautious about overuse, which is why it is always recommended to follow the Drug Facts label and speak to your healthcare provider.
- CDC Yellow Book (Current as of April 23, 2025): “Acetaminophen remains the non-opioid analgesic of choice during pregnancy.”
- FDA’s Acetaminophen Page (Current as of August 14, 2025): “To date, FDA has not found clear evidence that appropriate use of acetaminophen during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy, birth, neurobehavioral, or developmental outcomes.”
Additionally, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Health, a professional organization for obstetricians with subspecialty training in maternal-fetal medicine, stated on September 25, 2025 that it: "...continues to advise physicians and patients that acetaminophen is an appropriate medication to treat pain and fever during pregnancy…the weight of scientific evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes an increased risk for autism or ADHD is simply inconclusive…”
- CDC Yellow Book (Current as of April 23, 2025): “Acetaminophen remains the non-opioid analgesic of choice during pregnancy.”
- FDA’s Acetaminophen Page (Current as of August 14, 2025): “To date, FDA has not found clear evidence that appropriate use of acetaminophen during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy, birth, neurobehavioral, or developmental outcomes.”
Additionally, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Health, a professional organization for obstetricians with subspecialty training in maternal-fetal medicine, stated on September 25, 2025 that it: "...continues to advise physicians and patients that acetaminophen is an appropriate medication to treat pain and fever during pregnancy…the weight of scientific evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes an increased risk for autism or ADHD is simply inconclusive…”
Is autism really on the rise?
When it comes to reports or claims that autism rates are higher than they were decades ago, the medical community’s ability to now better recognize and diagnose autism must be taken into consideration. Advances in medical knowledge, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased awareness among healthcare providers, educators, and parents mean that more cases are being identified today than in decades past. In other words, autism may not actually be “more common” than it once was; rather, we are better at detecting and recording it.
Is there a cure for autism?
No. There is no cure for autism. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Treatments and supports focus on improving quality of life, communication, and daily functioning, not on “curing” autism.
What is leucovorin and why are there claims that it can “cure” autism?
Leucovorin (loo-ko-vor-in) is the prescription (Rx) form of folinic acid. It is officially approved by FDA for use in cancer therapy and as an antidote to certain medications. Some small studies have looked at leucovorinin individuals with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD). That’s why some families highlight it as promising. But it’s important to be clear: Leucovorin is not FDA-approved for autism or CFD. Its use for CFD is considered “off-label,” based on limited clinical evidence and physician judgement. On September 24, the FDA published a notice they intended to request that the drug sponsor submit an application to add information on CFD to the prescription drug label. Current research on its effectiveness in treating CFD is limited and preliminary. Calling it a “cure” for autism is misleading and not supported by robust, peer-reviewed evidence.
Safety Guide
Safety Guide
NSAIDs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are safe and effective when used according to the Drug Facts label. Because so many medicines contain NSAIDs, it is important to read and follow the Drug Facts label to see which medicines contain NSAIDs and to never take more than the maximum daily dose listed on the label. Taking more than one medicine with the same active ingredient could result in getting too much of the ingredient, which could lead to serious health problems.
FDA requires that the labeling of oral NSAIDs and some topical (e.g., diclofenac sodium) contain specific warnings:
- NSAIDs may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock, skin reddening, rash, or blisters. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away
- NSAIDs may increase the chance of severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:
- Are age 60 or older
- Have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
- Take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
- Take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs
- Have 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day when using NSAIDs
- Take more or for a longer time than directed
Warnings for non-aspirin NSAIDs:
- Non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the chance of heart attack or stroke. This risk may be greater if you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Non-aspirin NSAIDs should not be used right before or after heart surgery.
Warning for medicines containing aspirin or magnesium salicylate:
- Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use products containing aspirin or magnesium salicylate. When using products containing aspirin and magnesium salicylate, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
