Pattern of drug consumption in pregnant Saudi women

ABSTRACT

The extent of drug consumption was studied by presenting a questionnaire to 450 pregnant women in the maternity units of three general hospitals in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that 61% [275] of the sample interviewed had used drugs during their pregnancy. A range of 1 -7 drug preparations per patient was noted. In 11% [30] of the women the drugs were self- medications. A majority of women had consumed multivitamins [230] and folic acid/iron-containing [186] preparations. Non-narcotic analgesics and antiemetics were used by 30% and 21% respectively- Antimicrobials were taken by 20 [7%] and tocolytics by 14 [5%]. Other drugs such as antihypertensives, insulin, antacids, antitussives, bronchodilators, and antiepileptics were used by 91 [33%] women. It was noted that pregnant women aged under 20 years, or over 40 years used drugs more than those aged between 20 and 39 years. The results also showed that 6% of women interviewed had consumed some types of traditional remedies during their pregnancy. It is recommended that health authorities should provide guidelines for physicians on the prescription of drugs for pregnant women and also educate the public on the dangers of using drugs during pregnancy