PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF DRUGS IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW

Abstract

Authors carried out a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published from 2005-2014. We incorporated studies assessing individual-level exposures to medicines prescribed during pregnancy. We selected only those studies conducted in India and published in English. Published drug utilization studies reveal about 22% to 69.8% overall use of prescribed drugs during pregnancy excluding vitamins and minerals. On measuring antenatal drug use, the medications with positive evidence of risk (FDA category D) ranged from 4.8% to 24.25%. Iron, folic acid and vitamin supplements were most commonly prescribed drugs globally depending on the need of the patient and their benefit ratio. Overall drug use estimates are examined, use of drugs by therapeutic categories and by potential for fetal risk is considered while updating this review. Several studies consistently reported the usage of drugs with potential risks during pregnancy. Due to such extensive use, it is essential to develop standards for assessing and reporting antenatal exposures to refine any future research in this field. The prescribing practices of Indian physicians are similar to those in developed countries.