Partisan differences in acetaminophen use after revised federal guidance in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

To examine associations between partisan political identification and self-reported acetaminophen (paracetamol) use after revised federal guidance on acetaminophen issued by the current administration in September 2025.

STUDY

DESIGN

Repeated cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal monthly panel survey data collected from October 2025 to December 2025.

METHODS

Regression analysis of longitudinal survey data from the Understanding America Study (UAS), a nationally representative internet panel of over 14,000 US adults, spanning from October 2025 to December 2025. Using data on self-reported acetaminophen use and political identification over time, probability of acetaminophen use, Tylenol® use, and non-Tylenol® acetaminophen use are estimated by partisan identity (Democrat, Republican, and independent).

RESULTS

43.6% of respondents reported past-month acetaminophen use. Compared to Democrats, Republicans (OR = 0.908, 95% CI 0.833-0.988) and Independents (OR = 0.821, 95% CI 0.744-0.905) had significantly lower odds of any acetaminophen use. This effect was driven primarily by Tylenol® use (Republican OR = 0.843, 95% CI 0.771-0.922; Independent OR = 0.814, 95% CI 734-.901). Republicans had significantly higher odds of using non-Tylenol® acetaminophen compared to Democrats (OR = 1.134, 95% CI 1.018-1.262).

CONCLUSIONS

Partisan political identity is associated with differential patterns of acetaminophen use following revised federal guidance. Republicans reported lower Tylenol® use but higher use of other acetaminophen-containing medications, suggesting that partisan cues may shape brand-specific drug behaviour.