Nine out of ten UK community pharmacists offer advice about managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP), a new study reveals. However, pharmacists’ knowledge about antiemetic safety in pregnancy is “suboptimal”, researchers claim.

The online survey included 157 community pharmacists. Of these, 87 practised in England, 66 per cent were men, and 55 per cent and 38 per cent were in urban and suburban communities respectively. Participants had worked as community pharmacists for a median of 20 years and 40 per cent had qualified as prescribers. 

The survey found that 90 per cent of community pharmacists provided advice about NVP. Indeed, 52 per cent and 17 per cent said they were asked about NVP monthly and weekly respectively. 

Pharmacists suggested OTC products (including those containing ginger and acupressure bands), medications and lifestyle modifications, offered reassurance and referred women to other healthcare professionals.  

However, pharmacists’ knowledge about which antiemetics are considered safe in pregnancy was “suboptimal”. Three in five (57 per cent) correctly identified cyclizine, a first-line antiemetic, as considered safe throughout pregnancy. 

About a third correctly identified promethazine (38 pert cent) and prochlorperazine (31 per cent), other first-line antiemetics, as safe throughout pregnancy. Just 20 per cent correctly identified all three first-line antiemetics considered safe during pregnancy.  

For second-line anti-emetics, 43 per cent, 24 per cent and 22 per cent of community pharmacists correctly identified that metoclopramide, ondansetron and domperidone respectively are considered safe throughout pregnancy.    

Just 5 per cent reported previous training about NVP and 70 per cent wanted further education, preferably online. Indeed, 33 per cent admitted being ‘not so’ or ‘not at all’ confident about offering advice about NVP. 

The authors conclude that “although [community pharmacists] frequently provide advice on NVP and perceive this as part of their role, their knowledge of the safety of the medication used in the management of the condition is suboptimal”.