Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract Introduction Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a popular choice for alleviating minor ailments during pregnancy. However, there are many risks associated with frequent and high use of OTC medications to the mother and foetus. Aims We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to d...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00656-w |
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| author | Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam Elly Uwajima Sarinaa Marian Guna Selan Shane Emmanuel James Yu Xin Lai E Lyn Lee Chia Siang Kow |
| author_facet | Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam Elly Uwajima Sarinaa Marian Guna Selan Shane Emmanuel James Yu Xin Lai E Lyn Lee Chia Siang Kow |
| author_sort | Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a popular choice for alleviating minor ailments during pregnancy. However, there are many risks associated with frequent and high use of OTC medications to the mother and foetus. Aims We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of OTC medication use in pregnancy. Methods Electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Scopus) were systematically searched up to November 2023 to identify English-language articles with data on OTC medication use prevalence. Pooled prevalence (%) of OTC medication use with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using a random-effects model. The quality of the studies was critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool for use in systematic reviews for observational studies. Results Of the 20 studies included in the analyses, the majority (n = 13) were cross-sectional studies. The pooled prevalence of overall OTC medication use among pregnant women was 36% (95% CI 21%, 53%; n = 77,219). Pooled prevalence of overall analgesic use was 25% (95% CI 7%, 49%; n = 257,770). Highest individual OTC medications/medication classes were paracetamol use (32%; 95% CI 18%, 47%; n = 163,799) and antacid use (19%; 95% CI 8%, 32%; n = 1039). By trimesters, the pooled prevalence of OTC medication use was highest in the second trimester (30%; 95% CI 9%, 55%; n = 152,055), followed by the third trimester (25%; 95% CI 6%, 49%; n = 152,055), and the first trimester (19%; 95% CI 4%, 41%; n = 152,055). Conclusions The relatively high prevalence of OTC medication use among pregnant women is a cause for concern, but may be unavoidable. When known to healthcare providers, it is crucial to provide current, complete and accurate information about OTC medications to pregnant women. They should also be warned of the risks associated with OTC medications, and that if unsure, advice should be sought prior to use. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-52b563bf4e09420eb6ae52691c620b9e |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-52b563bf4e09420eb6ae52691c620b9e2025-08-20T03:08:24ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-05-0122112010.1186/s12982-025-00656-wPrevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysisKaeshaelya Thiruchelvam0Elly Uwajima1Sarinaa Marian Guna Selan2Shane Emmanuel James3Yu Xin Lai4E Lyn Lee5Chia Siang Kow6School of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversitySchool of Pharmacy, International Medical UniversityAbstract Introduction Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a popular choice for alleviating minor ailments during pregnancy. However, there are many risks associated with frequent and high use of OTC medications to the mother and foetus. Aims We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of OTC medication use in pregnancy. Methods Electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Scopus) were systematically searched up to November 2023 to identify English-language articles with data on OTC medication use prevalence. Pooled prevalence (%) of OTC medication use with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using a random-effects model. The quality of the studies was critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool for use in systematic reviews for observational studies. Results Of the 20 studies included in the analyses, the majority (n = 13) were cross-sectional studies. The pooled prevalence of overall OTC medication use among pregnant women was 36% (95% CI 21%, 53%; n = 77,219). Pooled prevalence of overall analgesic use was 25% (95% CI 7%, 49%; n = 257,770). Highest individual OTC medications/medication classes were paracetamol use (32%; 95% CI 18%, 47%; n = 163,799) and antacid use (19%; 95% CI 8%, 32%; n = 1039). By trimesters, the pooled prevalence of OTC medication use was highest in the second trimester (30%; 95% CI 9%, 55%; n = 152,055), followed by the third trimester (25%; 95% CI 6%, 49%; n = 152,055), and the first trimester (19%; 95% CI 4%, 41%; n = 152,055). Conclusions The relatively high prevalence of OTC medication use among pregnant women is a cause for concern, but may be unavoidable. When known to healthcare providers, it is crucial to provide current, complete and accurate information about OTC medications to pregnant women. They should also be warned of the risks associated with OTC medications, and that if unsure, advice should be sought prior to use.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00656-wMedicationPharmacyOver-the-counterPregnancyEpidemiology |
| spellingShingle | Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam Elly Uwajima Sarinaa Marian Guna Selan Shane Emmanuel James Yu Xin Lai E Lyn Lee Chia Siang Kow Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis Discover Public Health Medication Pharmacy Over-the-counter Pregnancy Epidemiology |
| title | Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full | Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_short | Prevalence of over-the-counter medication use in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_sort | prevalence of over the counter medication use in pregnancy a systematic review and meta analysis |
| topic | Medication Pharmacy Over-the-counter Pregnancy Epidemiology |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00656-w |
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