Changes in the pattern of paracetamol use in the periconception period in a Danish cohort

Abstract

Paracetamol is the most commonly used over-the-counter drug in pregnancy. It is generally considered to be safe, but prolonged antenatal exposure has been associated with offspring short- and long-term morbidity. Our aim was to describe the pattern of paracetamol use with a focus on frequent ingestion (more than once a week), 3 months before and in early pregnancy. In this cohort, 8650 pregnant women responded to a web-based clinical questionnaire that included questions about drug use. Paracetamol was the most used drug before and in early pregnancy (35.2% and 6.5% of respondents, respectively). The proportion of frequent users decreased from 3.9% before to 0.9% in early pregnancy. Frequent paracetamol use was associated with smoking, co-morbidities, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2), unplanned pregnancy, no education and inability to understand Danish. A significant decrease in the proportion of women with any paracetamol use in early pregnancy was noted after access to large packs was restricted by legislation.

Keywords: Paracetamol; acetaminophen; antenatal care; exposure; pregnancy; prenatal care.

© 2015 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.