Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research (ISSN : 0975-7384)

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Original Articles: 2018 Vol: 10 Issue: 7

Exploring Knowledge and Perception of Drug Teratogenicity among Community of Pharmacist in Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Community Pharmacists (CP) are easily accessible to the public. They have an important role and responsibility in monitoring the safety of medicines dispensed with or without a prescription during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the perception of risk associated with drug use during pregnancy. In specific, knowledge and experience of community pharmacists about safety of medicines during pregnancy will be assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2015 and January 2016. Data collection was carried out using a semi structured self-administrated questionnaire. Setting: Community pharmacies in Casablanca, Morocco Results: A total of 190 questionnaires were collected (response rate of 60%). Drugs considered as teratogenic all trimesters by majority of respondents were the following: retinoids, tetracyclines, glucocorticoids. 84% of pharmacists thought there is no risk with using IEC during first trimester of pregnancy. 25% of pharmacists answered there is no risk with oral antidiabetic agents versus 42% for technicians. Nearly 26% of technicians considered there is no risk with anti-epileptic drugs. Concerning non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 16% of technicians reported there is safe throughout the pregnancy. Conclusion: Good proportion of the study sample had a misperception (overestimation or underestimation) regarding the possible teratogenic risks of common drug exposures. Results were similar to previous surveys in other countries. These findings evidenced the need for increased training for community pharmacists to optimize medication use during pregnancy.