DRUGS AND PREGNANCY: AN ANALYSIS OF DRUG USE STUDIES CONDUCTED IN BRAZIL (2000 – 2011)

Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to identify studies of medicine use during pregnancy, published in Brazil, explaining their characteristics and pointing perspectives on studies of this population. Methods: It´s a bibliographic review, which were analyzed articles published in the databases Scielo and Lilacs in the period 2000 to 2011. The data were organized in tables and discussed. Results: Most studies were developed by public institutions, mainly in southern and southeastern Brazil, in basic health care services. Pregnant women used pain relievers and antacids drugs with prescription. But they used it in case of self-medication too. However, they´re not warned about the risk, showing gaps in the process of health care. Conclusions: The production of data about medicine utilization needs further studies, including from the qualitative approach. In any case, the previous studies reveal further involvement of health workers in promotion rational prescription and use of medicines.

Keywords

• Drugs; Pharmacovigilance; Rational use of drugs; Pregnant women.