TABLE 3.
Main characteristics related to self-medication during pregnancy.
| Medications used during self-medication a | N (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| OTC drugs | Acetaminophen | 38 (35.1) |
| Metamizole | 30 (28.0) | |
| Metamizole + association | 19 (17.7) | |
| Ibuprofen | 10 (9.3) | |
| Scopolamine | 6 (5.6) | |
| Others1 | 21 (19.1) | |
| POMs | Naphazoline | 5 (4.6) |
| Dimenhydrinate | 4 (3.7) | |
| Omeprazole | 3 (2.8) | |
| Others2 | 14 (14.4) | |
| MP, vitamins, and phytotherapy | Guaco syrup | 3 (2.8) |
| Multivitamin | 2 (1.8) | |
| Passionflower | 2 (1.8) | |
| Others3 | 8 (7.2) | |
| Do not remember the name of medication used | 11 (10.2) | |
| Indication for self-medication practice | Headache | 63 (58.8) |
| Nausea and vomiting | 10 (9.3) | |
| Stomachache | 8 (7.4) | |
| Flu | 6 (5.6) | |
| Others4 | 73 (67.3) | |
| Motivational factors | Considered a simple health problem | 67 (62.6) |
| Practicality | 54 (50.4) | |
| Lack of access to health system | 26 (23.4) | |
| Others5 | 13 (12.1) | |
| Source or person who indicates self-medication practice | Own account (myself) | 81 (89.0) |
| Neighbor or friend | 12 (11.2) | |
| Leftover from a previous treatment | 11 (10.2) | |
| Family member | 9 (8.4) | |
| Pharmacy | 9 (8.4) | |
| Internet | 6 (5.6) | |
| Others6 | 5 (4.5) | |
More than one medication per woman. MP: medicinal plants. Others1: simethicone, 4 (3.7%); acetaminophen + association, 3 (2.8%); aluminum hydroxide + magnesium + simethicone, sodium bicarbonate + sodium carbonate + citric acid and bicarbonate, 2 (1.8%) (each); loratadine, dexchlorpheniramine, guaifenesin, diclofenac, sorbitol + sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium carbonate, mineral oil, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 1 (0.9%) (each). Others2: meclizine, ondansetron, propranolol, 2 (1.8%) (each); Pantoprazole, metformin, tramadol, bromopride, amoxicillin, dexamethasone, metoclopramide, tranexamic acid, zolpidem, and cyclobenzaprine, 1 (0.9%) (each). Others3: Peumus boldus tea, 2 (1.8%); herbis tea, vitamin c, avocado leaf, Greek hay oil (aromatherapy), arnica gel, and clove tea, 1 (0.9%) (each). Others4: nasal congestion, colic, and general pain, 5 (4.6%) (each). Backache, heartburn, insomnia, toothache, and, cough 4 (3.7) (each); migraine, indigestion, allergy, and intestinal gas, 3 (2.8%) (each); myalgia, control diabetes mellitus, abdominal pain, intestinal constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI) and high blood pressure, 2 (1.8%) (each); treatment for polycystic ovary, kidney stone, leg pain, flaccidity, arrhythmia, tendonitis, hair loss, sinusitis, to menstruate, anxiety, diarrhea, low fetal weight, fever, and sore throat, 1 (0.9%) (each). Others5: previous experience with the medication, 5 (4.6%); discomfort caused by symptoms, 2 (1.8%); work, habit, curiosity, not getting the prescription, 1 (0.8%) (each). Others6: prescribed for another symptom, 2 (1.8%); habit, 2 (1.8%); and prescribed to a family member, 1 (0.9%). Those were cases where women reported more than one symptom, motivational factor, and indication for self-medication practice.