Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7646

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Publication type: Journal Article

Fridman GA, Zimerman CA, Bregni C.
Consumption of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs in Argentina in 1998
Ars Pharmaceutica 2003; 43:(1-3):5-12

Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study is to carry out a statistical analysis on the consumption of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs during the year 1998, in order to draw conclusions that will facilitate the rational use of these medicines. Methods: Distribution data was obtained from two of the biggest drug suppliers in the North-eastern region of Argentina, as well as from community pharmacies involved in the production of pharmacist prescriptions of these drugs. Results: The information obtained was as follows: Quantity of units of medicine distributed: 18,080 of anti-depressants and 177,205 of anxiolytic drugs. The number of community pharmqcy prescriptions containing these drugs was 4440. Conclusions: Although pharmacist preparations are more rationally formulated in community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry predominates in the production of these medicines. Such a finding is a cause for concern.