Study of use of methylphenidate in a basic healthcare unit

Abstract

Introduction: The methylphenidate is a psychostimulant drug used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity with high consumption, and its monitoring is necessary. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the use of methylphenidate in a Basic Healthcare Unit in São José do Rio Preto/SP, Brazil. Patients and Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study. Methylphenidate prescriptions were analyzed related to 99 patients during the period from January to September 2017. The demographic, clinical and pharmacological data were collected using the computerized system of the drug product dispensing department of the healthcare unit. Results: Age ranged from five to 44 years of age. There was a predominance of males (78%). The majority of notifications were from the private sector (59%). It was identified the prescription from six different medical specialties, and the most of it was prescribed by neurology (58%), followed by pediatric neurology (23%). As for the dosage of methylphenidate, the most frequent daily concentration found in the prescriptions was 20 mg (49% of prescriptions). The highest dosage prescribed was 60 mg for an adult patient. The most part of patients using methylphenidate were children between five and 12 years of age (64%), which 66% were male. Conclusion: There is a predominance of prescription of methylphenidate for male children. The dosages vary between 10 and 60 mg. The majority of the prescriptions were issued by neurologists and psychiatrists of private establishments. Furthermore, it was identified the prescription by professionals who are not specialized in mental health.