EVALUATION OF THE USE OF MEDICATIONS BY PUERPERAS IN THE NORMAL AND CESAREAN POSTPARTUM IN RELATION TO THE RISKS ON LACTATION IN A HOSPITAL OF RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the profile of the use of medicines by puerperal in the normal and cesarean postpartum of the Regional Hospital Dr Mariano Coelho, in the city of Currais Novos, RN, Brazil, about the risks on lactation. The study was observational and descriptive, based on the prescriptions filed by puerperal assisted during the year 2018. The potential risk of the drugs to the infant was evaluated, according to information from Micromedex, American Academy of Pediatrics, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Drugs were compiled by active principle and pharmacological class according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Code and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study involved 101 postpartum women, the majority of whom underwent cesarean delivery (61.39%). Most of the medicines used in the hospital were considered safe in breastfeeding or presenting minimal risks to infants. However, some bibliographic sources presented different classifications for the safety of medications during breastfeeding. Thus, prescribers and other health professionals involved in the process of orientation of puerperal should take into account the safety of medication use during this period.