Drug use pattern of over-the-counter and alternative medications in pregnancy: A cross sectional descriptive study.

Background: Drug treatment in pregnancy presents a special concern because of the physiological changes in the mother besides the drug effects on fetus. In addition, usage of drug available over-the-counter (OTC) medication adversely affects the mother and fetus. Hence, this study was planned to observe the OTC usage during pregnancy in India. Aims and Objective: To assess and compare the pattern and extent of OTC drug usage in pregnant women of rural and urban areas. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study done at a tertiary-care hospital. Pregnant women aged 18-38 years attending the obstetrics outpatient department at KIMS and urban clinics were enrolled randomly. Written informed consent was taken and questionnaire filled consisting of sociodemographic data and OTC usage, mode, source, and type of request. Statistical analysis was done using percentages and w2 test. Results: Among 483 (rural, 248; urban, 235) antenatal women enrolled, 12.83% consumed OTC drugs (urban areas, 16.5%; rural, 9.27%). Higher OTC usage was observed in first (rural, 39.13%; urban, 53.84%) and second trimesters (rural, 43.47%; urban, 33.3%) and women with higher income levels (rural, 52.17%; urban, 58.97%) and education (rural, 60.86%; urban, 56.41%). The main reason for OTC usage was emergency situation (for immediate relief). Source of request was pharmacist's advice/previous prescriptions. Type of request for acquiring OTC was by telling symptoms in both urban and rural areas. Conclusions: Although OTC usage was less, most of the women were not aware of the teratogenic effects of drugs. Hence, an alarming need is necessary to educate the women and pharmacists and to frame and follow the strict regulatory guidelines for the OTC drugs sale, thereby to prevent the irrational use of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]