Profile of drug use in pregnant women at Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell and Hospital de Clínicas

Abstract

During pregnancy there is a high exposure to drugs, with potentially risks to mother and fetus. Research in this area has focused primarily on the teratogenic risk. There is limited evidence that exists on the use of medications during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of drug use in pregnant patients of the main public obstetric care centers of Montevideo, Uruguay. A prospective study was done, through a survey conducted by undergraduate students of Medicine.The following end points were analyzed: frequency of use, active ingredients used, exposure to a drug, risk exposure, origin of prescription, pregnant knowledge of the reason for the indication, possible adverse effects and dosage. Were surveyed 786 pregnant, of whom , 83.3% consumed drugs. Were consumed 1460 drugs, including a total of 98 active substances. Most patients consumed only one drug. Doctors prescribed 79.1% of the drugs. Among the most consumed therapeutic groups include the supplements (iron and folic acid) and antimicrobials. Among pregnant women who used drugs 74% knew indication, 25.6% possible side effects and dosage 65.6%. There were 47 exhibitions category D and X FDA detected. A high consumption of drugs was demonstrated in pregnancy. It is necessary to optimize the available information on the risk of unnecessary exposure to drugs during pregnancy and when necessary take the risk.