DRUG UTILIZATION DURING THE PERINATAL PERIOD

Abstract

In a progressive study, 231 gravid females and their progeny were monitored to assess drug utilization during the perinatal period. The patients came from a middle to high socioeconomic population and delivered in a university hospital. Gravid patients were found to take a mean (M) of 9.6 drug preparations (DP) during the prenatal course with a range of 1-37; 6.4 DP (R=0-28) were prescription drugs; 3.2 DP (R=0-12) were over the counter drugs; and .03 drugs (R=0-3) were not identified. Twenty-five percent of patients received a drug chronically throughout pregnancy. Ninety percent were prescribed. The mother received a M = 6.0 (R=0-14) drugs during labor and delivery. Single drugs were administered during L&D, whereas DP containing multiple agents were ingested during the prenatal course. During the post partum course the mother received a M = 8.7 drug preparations (R=1-25). Thirty-nine percent of the mothers were discharged home on medications. Fifty-nine percent of the mothers who were breast feeding were sent home on medications. During the nursery stay the progeny received a M = 3.1 drugs (R=1-15) with 23% of the infants receiving 4-15. In infants who received >6 drugs, 40% were treated because of a direct or indirect effect of maternal drugs. Within the first natal days the average newborn infant had been exposed to a M = 18.7 drugs by intrauterine or extrauterine exposure. Breast fed infants may be exposed to an additional 7.7 (R=2-15) drugs.