Am J Perinatol 2005; 22(6): 321-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-873235
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Use of Over-the-Counter Medications and Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy

Jerrie S. Refuerzo1 , Sean C. Blackwell1 , Robert J. Sokol1 , Lorraine Lajeunesse1 , Katherine Firchau1 , Michael Kruger1 , Yoram Sorokin1
  • 1Wayne State University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 August 2005 (online)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and herbal remedies used by pregnant women. A prospective observational study was performed at a single tertiary-care hospital. Postpartum women completed a questionnaire that included a list of more than 120 medications, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies listed by both brand and common name. Patients were asked to identify any and all medications or treatments used during pregnancy. Of 418 patients who completed questionnaires, 96.9% took at least one medication during their pregnancy. After excluding prenatal vitamins and iron supplements, 76.5% took at least one other medication; 62.8% used OTC medications, and 4.1% used herbal and/or alternative remedies. Multiple drug use occurred in 33.5% of patients, with up to 13.6% consuming four or more medications. The use of prescribed and OTC, medications, and herbal/alternative therapy, is common in pregnancy, with many patients consuming more than one agent at a time.

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Jerrie S RefuerzoM.D. 

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hutzel Hospital, 4707 St. Antoine Boulevard

Detroit, MI 48201

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