The backlash came after the US President said the pain reliever Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK, ‘is no good' for pregnant women to use, claiming a disputed link between the drug and autism.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting told ITV's Lorraine programme: ‘I trust doctors over President Trump.

‘I've just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None.'

Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said President Trump's comments were ‘dangerous', ‘anti-science' and ‘irresponsible'.

Merritt said President Trump was ‘peddling the worst myths of recent decades'.

Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: ‘There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.   

‘Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.'