Over-the-counter medications: Risk and safety in pregnancy

Semin Perinatol. 2015 Nov;39(7):541-4. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2015.08.009.

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are among the most commonly used products in pregnancy. Similar to prescription medications, for many products there is a lack of adequate data on safety of use in pregnancy. Assumptions of safety for these products based on long experience and OTC status, in the absence of data, may be ill founded. Examples of four OTC products used to treat common conditions in pregnancy are described. Potential links to adverse short- and long-term infant outcomes for these products are reviewed, and the strengths and limitations of data to support these. Research to detect or rule out these risks is essential.

Keywords: drug safety; over-the-counter medications; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / administration & dosage*
  • Acetaminophen / pharmacokinetics
  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / administration & dosage*
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacokinetics
  • Antiemetics / administration & dosage*
  • Antiemetics / pharmacokinetics
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Nasal Decongestants / administration & dosage*
  • Nasal Decongestants / pharmacokinetics
  • Nonprescription Drugs / administration & dosage*
  • Nonprescription Drugs / adverse effects
  • Nonprescription Drugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamins / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Antiemetics
  • Nasal Decongestants
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Vitamins
  • Acetaminophen