Reliability of frequently used ear, nose, and throat drugs during pregnancy and the postpartum period

Abstract

Drug use during pregnancy is a process that may cause adverse effects on both pregnant women and fetuses, but the risk can be reduced by certain precautions. During pregnancy, women can use drugs for various acute or chronic reasons. Although the frequency of drug use during pregnancy may differ between countries, recent studies have shown that the rate of pregnant women using at least one drug during pregnancy is over 50% [1-4]. In a retrospective study (between the years 2008 and 2012), it has been shown that a considerable number of pregnant women used more than one drug, an average of 4,6 medications, in their pregnancy period, excluding vitamins and minerals. [1]. In a multinational study, the frequency of different drug types used in pregnancy has been investigated. While the frequency of drug use for the treatment of acute/short-term illnesses occurred is 68.4%, the frequency of drug use for the treatment of chronic/long-term illnesses occurred is 17%. Over-the-counter (OTC) drug use had a similar frequency with short-term drug use [2]. In another cohort study, it has been demonstrated that the prescription rate for drugs used for pregnancy-related symptoms increased, whereas the prescription rate for drugs used for chronic diseases and for short-time use declined during pregnancy [3]. Physiological variations during pregnancy alter the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) and pharmacodynamics of drugs [5]. Many pharmaceutical clinical experiments are performed on men or non-pregnant women due to ethical considerations and fetal risk. Prediction of the effect, side effect, and fetal risks of drug use in pregnancy is quite complicated due to both maternal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic alterations and limited clinical data.