Abstract
Background and Objective:The use of over the counter medications (OTCMs) is a common practice globally. OTCMs are of special concern among pregnant women as they pose risk to the mother and fetus. The objective was to assess the use of OTCMs by pregnant woman, and factors associated with it.Methods:A cross-sectional study, using a structured self-administrated questionnaire was conducted at the obstetric and antenatal clinics at King Khalid University hospital, Riyadh. 354 pregnant women were surveyed.Result:About 32% of the study participants used OTCMs without prescription at least once during their last pregnancy. The most commonly used OTCM was Paracetamol (22%). Pharmacists were the main source of knowledge (53%) for the participants. Correct knowledge regarding the drugs was associated with the usage of OTCM drug.Conclusion:Use of OTCMs and antibiotics during pregnancy is a common practice among Saudi pregnant women. General awareness regarding OTCMs use during pregnancy without prescription needs to be raised in the community. Pharmacists and media can help in providing accurate knowledge.
Highlights
The world health organization (WHO) has described over the counter medication (OTCM) as the selection and use of medicine by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms.[1]
When OTCMs, without prescription are used by pregnant women, it is of concern
Participants who were not knowledgeable regarding antacid safety and usage during pregnancy, where more likely to use OTCs without prescription. To our knowledge this is the first study in Saudi Arabia that focused on the use of OTCMs by pregnant women
Summary
The world health organization (WHO) has described over the counter medication (OTCM) as the selection and use of medicine by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms.[1]. Most common drugs obtained by pregnant women over the counter are paracetamol, antacids, anti-allergy and antibiotics. When OTCMs, without prescription are used by pregnant women, it is of concern. Many researches have raised concerns over the use of OTCMs during pregnancy.[7,8]. The use of over the counter medications (OTCMs) is a common practice globally. OTCMs are of special concern among pregnant women as they pose risk to the mother and fetus. Result: About 32% of the study participants used OTCMs without prescription at least once during their last pregnancy. Correct knowledge regarding the drugs was associated with the usage of OTCM drug. Conclusion: Use of OTCMs and antibiotics during pregnancy is a common practice among Saudi pregnant women. General awareness regarding OTCMs use during pregnancy without prescription needs to be raised in the community.
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