Medications used by pregnant women in primary health service

Abstract

The study evaluates the use of medications by pregnant women attended at health centers in the city of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil. The sample consisted of 250 patients. The number of prescribed medications ranged from 1 to 5, folic acid and ferrous sulfate being the medications most prescribed. It was observed the omission of some basic elements in medical prescriptions, such as time, duration and route of administration. Among the respondents, 75.2 % had no knowledge of the medication name and 92.6 % about dosage. Regarding the purpose and duration of use 52.5 % and 79.8 % of patients, respectively, did not have any correct information. The lack of information that stood out because of the inadequate knowledge was about the unpleasant reactions, with 86.8 %. The results demonstrate the existence of risks relating to drugs used by pregnant women, making it necessary to institute education measures in rational use of drugs for this group of patients.