MRINZ Contributes to Landmark Study Confirming Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Safe for First Year of Life

The MRINZ has contributed to a major New Zealand study confirming that paracetamol and ibuprofen — the most widely prescribed or over-the-counter medicines for babies worldwide — are safe for use in the first year of life, providing reassurance to parents and health professionals managing pain and fever in infants.

The findings provide much-needed clarity after earlier studies raised concerns about a possible connection between early paracetamol use and childhood conditions such as eczema and asthma. The new research found no link between either medication and eczema or bronchiolitis, a common respiratory illness in infancy.

Almost 4,000 babies across New Zealand participated from birth. Half were randomised to receive paracetamol and half ibuprofen when needed, with researchers monitoring outcomes including eczema, asthma symptoms, and bronchiolitis. Serious side effects were rare, and none were caused by the medicines.

Professor Stuart Dalziel, MRINZ Children’s Health lead, Cure Kids Chair of Child Health Research at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, and Paediatrician at Starship Children’s Hospital, was a lead researcher on the project. He says, “Our study found that paracetamol and ibuprofen are incredibly safe to use in young children… These results give parents and health professionals high confidence to continue to use these important medications.”

The study is part of the PIPPA Tamariki trial (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in the Primary Prevention of Asthma in Tamariki), the largest children’s trial conducted in New Zealand. Participants are being followed from birth to age six to assess longer-term outcomes, including the development of asthma and other conditions that can only be accurately diagnosed in later childhood.

Early findings, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, show eczema affected around 16% of babies given paracetamol and 15% of those given ibuprofen, while bronchiolitis occurred in about 5% of babies in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the groups, confirming the safety of both medications.

Lead author Dr Eunicia Tan, senior lecturer at the University of Auckland and emergency physician at Middlemore Hospital, says, “Ultimately, the study will provide important evidence regarding the link between paracetamol use and asthma, eczema, hay fever, and developmental disorders, such as autism and ADHD.”

Professor Richard Beasley, Director of MRINZ, adds, “The MRINZ is committed to contributing to research that directly informs the safe use of medicines in New Zealand children. Studies like PIPPA Tamariki are essential to building the evidence base that guides parents, clinicians, and policymakers in making informed decisions about treatment in childhood.”

The PIPPA Tamariki trial is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and Cure Kids and run by the University of Auckland in collaboration with the MRINZ. The study highlights the MRINZ’s ongoing commitment to high-quality research that improves outcomes for children across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read the full study in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health HERE.