Publication: An overview of over the counter drugs in pregnancy and lactation
Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Over the counter (OTC) drugs are commonly used by pregnant women. Most OTC drugs are safe in pregnancy but
some have unproven safety and may adversely affect the growing foetus. The safety profile of some of the
medication may change according to the gestational age of the foetus. Because an estimated 10% or more of the
birth defects results from maternal drug exposure, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned a risk
category to each drugs. Among the commonly used OTC drugs Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Kaolin and
Pectin preparations and most antacids have a good safety record. The drugs like H2 blockers; Pseudoephedrine and
Atropine/ Diphenoxylate should be used with caution. The risk and benefit while using OTC drugs in pregnancy has
to be assessed.
Key words: OTC drugs, Pregnancy, Lactation
Description
Das BP 1 , Joshi M 2
, Pant CR3
1Professor, Department of Pharmacology, BPKIHS, Dharan, 2Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, KUMS,
Banepa, 3Program Director, KUMS