Neonatal medication surveillance by the pharmacist

Area of Science:

• Neonatal pharmacology
• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Clinical pharmacy

Background:

• Medication exposure in neonates is a significant concern.
• Understanding drug effects on newborns requires comprehensive maternal and infant data.
• Limited awareness exists among mothers regarding medication impact on fetuses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess neonatal exposure to medications during prenatal, labor/delivery, and postnatal periods.
• To identify adverse drug reactions in neonates linked to maternal medication use.
• To evaluate the role of pharmacists in maternal medication management.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 100 neonates over 11 weeks.
• Data collection included maternal social/medication history, anesthesia records, and neonatal charts.
• Pharmacist-led interviews and record reviews were conducted.

Main Results:

• 15 adverse drug reactions were identified in 13 neonates.
• Common prenatal exposures included vitamins, iron, analgesics, and antiemetics.
• Oxytocin, meperidine, and promazine were frequently used during labor; narcotics caused respiratory depression.
• Postnatal medications included vitamin K1, gentamicin, and ampicillin.

Conclusions:

• Maternal medication use significantly impacts neonates, with potential for adverse reactions.
• There is a critical need for enhanced maternal awareness of medication risks to the fetus.
• Pharmacist-led medication interviews prior to labor and delivery are recommended to improve safety.