Clinicians' experience with topical benzydamine and morphine for the management of oral mucositis: adverse effects and barriers.

INTRODUCTION: Among the evidence-based agents outlined in the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) mucositis guidelines, benzydamine and morphine are advised for the management of oral mucositis (OM) in certain cancer patients. This study is aimed to collect information from a group of highly experienced healthcare professionals in the field of oral mucositis about their clinical experience with these agents. METHODS: A survey questionnaire about the clinical experience with topical benzydamine and morphine to manage oral mucositis and their related adverse effects (AEs) was electronically distributed to the members of the Mucositis Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. RESULTS: Eighty-eight entries were recorded (response rate 25%), and 54 entries submitted complete questionnaires about the drug-related AE (completion rate 65%) and were used for the data analysis. Of the respondents, 44% and 27.7% prescribed benzydamine and morphine to manage their patients' oral mucositis, respectively. Lack of availability in the respondent's country was the common reason for not prescribing benzydamine and morphine (18.9% and 5.4%, respectively); however, a large portion of the respondents indicated that 'another reason' stopped them from prescribing these agents (51.3% and 73%, respectively). AEs to benzydamine or morphine were observed by 25.9% and 12.9% of respondents, respectively, with mild numbness and tingling as the most common drug-related AE for both agents. CONCLUSION: The use of topical benzydamine and morphine for the management of OM varies between countries. While relatively common, the AEs related to these agents are mild. Mitigating the barriers for prescribing them may increase their use.

Chronic psychosis related to benzydamine hydrochloride abuse.

Benzydamine hydrochloride is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects. In those who use medicines containing this agent at high doses (500-3000 mg), some adverse effects such as hallucinosis, stimulant effects in the central nervous system, paranoia, and convulsions can be seen. The drug is vulnerable to abuse because of the stimulant effects on the central nervous system. In this paper, we present a young male patient with symptoms of psychosis due to benzydamine hydrochloride abuse. He was admitted to the psychiatry outpatient clinic with visual hallucinations, fear, and insomnia. His symptoms started after taking 10 tablets of benzydamine hydrochloride (500 mg) 6 months ago, which continued for 1-2 days and spontaneously resolved. The patient used high doses of the drug 3-4 times over a period of 3 months. Although his last drug intake was 3 months ago, his symptoms continued at the time of admission to the clinic. A neurologic examination and detailed laboratory tests of the patient revealed no evidence of a cause for psychotic symptoms. The patient was scheduled to undergo oral antipsychotic therapy. Although similar cases have been reported in the literature, this is the only case in which psychosis was still present despite discontinuation of the drug. Our aim was to contribute to the literature on the use of BH in causing chronic psychosis and to draw attention to the growing number of BH abuse cases.

The effect of benzydamine hydrochloride on preventing postoperative sore throat after total thyroidectomy: a randomized-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We compared the effects of benzydamine hydrochloride (BH), 10% lidocaine, and normal saline spray on preventing postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT). METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind study, the incidence of POST at six hours after tracheal extubation was compared among three groups as a primary outcome. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients undergoing elective TT under general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomly stratified into group C (n = 33, normal saline), group L (n = 33, 10% lidocaine), or group B (n = 33, 0.3% BH). The participants, caregiver, and investigator were blinded to group assignment. Each study drug was sprayed three times on the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff ten seconds before intubation. Incidence and severity of POST were recorded within 24 hr postoperatively (during postanesthesia care unit stay, and at six, 12, and 24 hr after extubation). P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled. Eighty-seven patients completed the study. The incidence of POST at six hours after tracheal extubation was similar among the three groups (group C: 31 [93.9%], group L: 29 [87.9%], and group B: 27 [81.8%]; P = 0.38). Nevertheless, the incidence of POST was significantly different among the three groups at 12 and 24 hr after TT (12 hr: P = 0.002, 24 hr: P = 0.01). The severity of POST after tracheal extubation was statistically different among the study groups (6 hr: P = 0.04, 12 hr: P = 0.01). No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Application of BH spray on the ETT cuff reduced the incidence and severity of POST at 12 hr after TT. We suggest this method to be a non-invasive and effective management option for POST without serious side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0002627); registered 24 November, 2017.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Nous avons comparé les effets de la vaporisation de chlorhydrate de benzydamine (CB), de lidocaïne 10 %, ou de solution saline sur la prévention des maux de gorge postopératoires chez les patients subissant une thyroïdectomie totale (TT). MéTHODE: Dans cette étude prospective, randomisée, en parallèle et à double insu, l'incidence des maux de gorge postopératoires six heures après l'extubation trachéale a été comparée dans trois groupes pour répondre à notre critère d'évaluation principal. Des patients de statut physique I-II selon l'American Society of Anesthesiologists et subissant une TT non urgente sous anesthésie générale ont été recrutés. Les patients ont été aléatoirement alloués au groupe C (n = 33, solution saline), au groupe L (n = 33, lidocaïne 10 %), ou au groupe B (n = 33, CB 0,3 %). Les participants, anesthésistes et chercheurs ne connaissaient pas l'allocation de groupe. Chaque médicament étudié était vaporisé trois fois sur le ballonnet du tube endotrachéal (TET) dix secondes avant l'intubation. L'incidence et la gravité des maux de gorge postopératoires ont été enregistrées dans les 24 heures postopératoires (pendant le séjour en salle de réveil, et à six, 12 et 24 h après l'extubation). Les valeurs P ont été ajustées pour tenir compte des comparaisons multiples. RéSULTATS: Quatre-vingt-dix-neuf patients ont été recrutés. Quatre-vingt-sept patients ont terminé l'étude. L'incidence des maux de gorge postopératoires à six heures après l'extubation trachéale était semblable dans les trois groupes (groupe C : 31 [93,9 %], groupe L : 29 [87,9 %], et groupe B : 27 [81,8 %]; P = 0,38). Toutefois, l'incidence de maux de gorge postopératoires était significativement différente entre les trois groupes à 12 et 24 h après la TT (12 h : P = 0,002, 24 h : P = 0,01). La gravité des maux de gorge postopératoires après l'extubation trachéale était différente d'un point de vue statistique entre les groupes à l'étude (6 h : P = 0,04, 12 h : P = 0,01). Aucun effet secondaire indésirable n'a été observé. CONCLUSION: Le recours à une vaporisation de chlorhydrate de benzydamine sur le ballonnet du tube endotrachéal a réduit l'incidence et la gravité des maux de gorge postopératoires à 12 h après une thyroïdectomie totale. Selon nos résultats, cette méthode constitue une option de prise en charge non invasive et efficace des maux de gorge postopératoires sans effets secondaires importants. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0002627); enregistrée le 24 novembre 2017.

Oral flurbiprofen spray for postoperative sore throat and hoarseness: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Sore throat and hoarseness are common complications after surgery. Flurbiprofen spray has been successfully used for treatment of oral inflammations, but its effects on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness are unknown. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of flurbiprofen spray on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness, by comparing it with benzydamine hydrochloride spray and placebo. METHODS: One hundred fifty patients who were scheduled to undergo elective ear surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomized to three groups of 50 patients each; flurbiprofen oral spray, benzydamine hydrochloride oral spray and placebo spray groups. Patients received sprays just before intubation, and the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness were evaluated by a blinded investigator at 0, 1, 6 and 24-hour post extubation. Patients were also questioned for possible side effects at all time points. RESULTS: The sore throat severity scores were significantly lower in treatment groups when compared to placebo group at all time points (P=0.003/108). Similarly, the incidence of sore throat was significantly lower in both of the treatment groups (P=0.007/104). The incidence of hoarseness and hoarseness scores were significantly lower in treatment groups when compared to placebo group (P=0.006/105 and P=0.005/104, respectively). While none of the patients complained of any adverse effects in flurbiprofen group, only two patients in benzydamine hydrochloride group experienced numbness. CONCLUSIONS: Both oral flurbiprofen and benzydamine hydrochloride sprays were found to be more effective than placebo in decreasing the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness, with no adverse effects.

Topical benzydamine hydrochloride for prevention of postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing tracheal intubation for elective surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Postoperative sore throat has a negative impact on patient satisfaction and recovery. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug available for topical use. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of topical application of benzydamine to prevent postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant randomised controlled trials and pooled the data using a random effects model. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of sore throat 24 h after surgery/extubation, and adverse events. The quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Thirteen randomised controlled trials involving 1842 patients were included. Compared with control patients who did not receive analgesia, benzydamine was associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative sore throat, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 0.31 (0.20-0.47), but not with significantly reduced severity, the standardised mean difference (95%CI) being -0.27 (-0.63 to 0.08). There were no significant adverse events related to benzydamine. Benzydamine was also associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative sore throat when compared with lidocaine, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 0.18 (0.07-0.43). We judged the evidence for the outcome 'incidence of postoperative sore throat' as high quality.

Anafilaxia a cloridrato de benzidamina: relato de caso / Anaphylaxis to benzydamine hydrochloride: a case report

Reações de hipersensibilidade a medicamentos (RHM) podem induzir manifestações clínicas heterogêneas, desde leves até graves. São classificadas em imunológicas ou alérgicas quando mediadas por anticorpos ou linfócitos T, e não imunológicas quando decorrentes de efeitos farmacológicos da droga, incluindo inibição da enzima cicloxigenase (Cox). Os dois grupos mais frequentemente implicados nas RHM são os anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINEs), e os antibióticos betalactâmicos. O manejo adequado das reações aos AINEs depende da identificação do mecanismo fisiopatológico envolvido, que permitirá classificar em reator seletivo (indivíduo que reage a um único fármaco e a outros com estrutura química similar), ou reator múltiplo ou intolerante cruzado (aquele que reage a múltiplos fármacos de estrutura química não relacionada). O cloridrato de benzidamina (CBZ) é um AINE de uso frequente e relativamente seguro, sem descrições de reações graves associadas ao seu uso. Atua inibindo as enzimas Prostaglandina Endoperoxidase H Sintase 1 e/ou 2, e a Fosfolipase A2. Em pacientes com história de reações aos AINEs, o teste de provocação é a ferramenta diagnóstica padrão ouro para confirmar ou excluir a reatividade cruzada a outros AINEs e definir um fármaco alternativo seguro. Descreveremos um caso raro de anafilaxia ao CBZ durante teste de provocação oral.

Hypersensitivity drug reactions (HDRs) may induce mild to severe heterogeneous clinical manifestations. They are classified as immunological or allergic when mediated by antibodies or T lymphocytes, and non-immunological when resulting from pharmacological effects of the drug, including inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzyme. The two groups of drugs most frequently implicated in HDRs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-lactam antibiotics. Appropriate management of NSAID reactions depends on identification of the pathophysiological mechanism involved, which will allow to classify the patient as selective reactor (patient reacting to a single drug and others with similar chemical structure) or multiple or cross-intolerant reactor (patient reacting to multiple drugs with unrelated chemical structure). Benzydamine hydrochloride (BZH) is a frequently used, relatively safe NSAID for which descriptions of severe reactions are not available. BZH acts inhibiting the enzymes prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS) 1 and/ or 2 and phospholipase A2. In patients with a history of NSAID reactions, the challenge test is the gold standard diagnostic tool to confirm or exclude cross-reactivity to other NSAIDs, and to define a safe alternative drug. In this paper, we describe a rare case of anaphylaxis to BZH during an oral drug provocation test.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus after maternal self-medication with benzydamine hydrochloride: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.

We report 3 cases of prenatal diagnosis of premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus after maternal benzydamine hydrochloride therapy (3-mg lozenges) in third-trimester pregnancies. In each case, fetal echocardiography revealed a dilated, hypocontractile right ventricle with severe tricuspid regurgitation and constriction of the ductus arteriosus. Although the effect of indomethacin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on prenatal ductal constriction is well known, readily available over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as benzydamine can have an equally deleterious effect and are best avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Treatment of oral mucositis pain following radiation therapy for head-and-neck cancer using a bioadhesive barrier-forming lipid solution.

PURPOSE: CAM2028, a vehicle that forms a bioadhesive lipid barrier when applied to the oral mucosa, was developed as a carrier system for local delivery of benzydamine, an NSAID used for pain relief in oral mucositis. This trial compared the analgesic effect of CAM2028 plus benzydamine (CAM2028-benzydamine) with unmedicated CAM2028 (CAM2028-control) for the treatment of oral mucositis in patients with head-and-neck cancer. METHODS: Thirty-eight study participants were enrolled during their 3rd to 4th week of radiation therapy. Participants were required to have symptomatic oral mucositis (WHO Grade 2 or above) at screening and pain scores of at least 6 on an 11-point Likert scale at screening and on each day before treatment with study medication. After undergoing radiation, patients were administered a single dose of CAM2028-control or CAM2028-benzydamine 2 days apart, in a randomized crossover fashion. Pain was assessed over the following 8 h. RESULTS: With both treatments, patients experienced a mean 40 % decrease in pain intensity at 6 h (the primary study endpoint). Both treatments resulted in significant pain relief within 5 min of application that was evident during the entire 8-h assessment period. There was no difference in pain relief between the two interventions at any time point. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: CAM2028-benzydamine and CAM2028-control were both efficacious in reducing pain in patients with oral mucositis related to radiation therapy for head-and-neck cancer. Analgesic effects of both medications were immediate, clinically significant, and persistent for up to 8 h.

[Analysis of online reports on the potential misuse of benzidamine]. / Analisi dei report online relativi al potenziale uso errato della benzidamina.

Benzydamine/Tantum Rosa is a drug for external use. It is typically available in Europe, without the need of a medical prescription, for the treatment of vaginal inflammatory processes. Between December 2009 and January 2010, the Milan and Pavia (I) Poison Centres have identified some 50 cases of inappropriate benzydamine ingestion. Reasons for this misuse have been attributed to an allegedly misleading television advert. However, the recreational misuse of benzydamine is a well-known phenomenon in Brazil and in some EU countries as well, notably in Poland and Romania. It is here suggested that the recent increase in benzydamine misuse reports in Italy may well be associated with a parallel increase in level of online information regarding the molecule potential for misuse. According to the online reports, benzydamine is typically taken at a dosage of 1-4 sachets, dissolved in water and ingested orally. Its intake may be associated with hallucinations (mostly visual), sleeping disorders and euphoria. Only future, prospective, studies will confirm and better describe the benzydamine misuse potential.

Photoallergic contact dermatitis from benzydamine presenting mainly as lip dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Benzydamine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in use for more than four decades, has been reported to cause photosensitivity. OBJECTIVES: To study the results of photopatch testing to benzydamine and the clinical features of the dermatitis during a 3-year period (2006-2008). PATIENTS AND METHODS: During this period, 74 patients with photodermatoses were photopatch tested with an extended baseline series of allergens including benzydamine and in suspicious cases, with drugs that contain it. Test sites were irradiated on D2 with 5 J/cm(2) and readings were performed on D2 and D4. RESULTS: Ten patients (six females/four males), aged 21-84 years (mean 64.9) had a positive photopatch test to benzydamine [1-5% petrolatum (pet.) from Bial-Aristegui] and to drugs that contain it (Tantum verde oral solution and Momen gel). Nine patients had lower lip cheilitis and one lichenified eczema on photo-exposed sites. CONCLUSION: Photosensitivity from both topical and systemic benzydamine has been occasionally described, mainly in southern Spain. Despite its widespread use and its known photosensitizing capacity, photoallergic contact dermatitis from benzydamine is probably underdiagnosed as the clinical presentation of mainly the lip and chin is not typical of photoallergic contact dermatitis and benzydamine is not part of most photoallergen series.

[Use abusive of benzydamine in Brazil: an overview in pharmacovigilance]. / Uso abusivo de benzidamina no Brasil: uma abordagem em farmacovigilância.

The abusive drug use has been object of increasing concern in public health and is commonly issued in the Brazilian press. Amongst medicines, those that are abuse substances and cause physical and/or psychic dependence, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics and amphetamines are included. Analgesics, antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, even not making part of this list, are generally associated with recreational use or non therapeutical purpose. The objective of this essay is to present information on the abusive use of benzydamine in Brazil. The present study is an exploratory essay in which different methodological strategies adopted in the regulatory practice of pharmacovigilance have been used. The abusive use of this drug was evidenced in scientific literature, press releases and on the internet. Considering the facility of purchasing drugs under medical prescription, among other factors, it must be demanded ways to assess the marketing and use of medicines, and assure its safe and rational use, including the strengthening of pharmacovigilance in Brazil.

Uso abusivo de benzidamina no Brasil: uma abordagem em farmacovigilância / Use abusive of benzydamine in Brazil: an overview in pharmacovigilance

O uso abusivo de medicamentos tem sido objeto de crescente interesse em saúde pública e geralmente veiculado na imprensa brasileira. Dentre os medicamentos, objeto de abuso e que causam dependência física e/ou psíquica, incluemse os barbitúricos, benzodiazepínicos, analgésicos opióides e anfetaminas. Os analgésicos, antitérmicos e antiinflamatórios não esteroidais, apesar de não fazerem parte dessa relação de fármacos, estão, geralmente, associados ao uso recreativo ou fins não terapêuticos. O objetivo deste ensaio é apresentar informações sobre o uso abusivo de benzidamina no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo exploratório, em que foram utilizadas diferentes estratégias metodológicas adotadas na prática de regulação em farmacovigilância. O uso abusivo desse fármaco foi constatado na literatura científica, imprensa e internet. Em função da facilidade na compra de medicamentos sujeitos à prescrição médica, entre outros fatores, devem-se exigir meios e formas para monitorar a comercialização e utilização de medicamentos, assegurando seu uso seguro e racional, incluindo o fortalecimento da farmacovigilância no Brasil.

The abusive drug use has been object of increasing concern in public health and is commonly issued in the Brazilian press. Amongst medicines, those that are abuse substances and cause physical and/or psychic dependence, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics and amphetamines are included. Analgesics, antipyretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, even not making part of this list, are generally associated with recreational use or non therapeutical purpose. The objective of this essay is to present information on the abusive use of benzydamine in Brazil. The present study is an exploratory essay in which different methodological strategies adopted in the regulatory practice of pharmacovigilance have been used. The abusive use of this drug was evidenced in scientific literature, press releases and on the internet. Considering the facility of purchasing drugs under medical prescription, among other factors, it must be demanded ways to assess the marketing and use of medicines, and assure its safe and rational use, including the strengthening of pharmacovigilance in Brazil.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. DESIGN: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. SETTING: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. PARTICIPANTS: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7% (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50%) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as 'trips'. Unwanted effects were reported by 75% of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4%). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil / Uso recreacional de benzidamina como alucinógeno entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. METHOD: Design: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. Setting: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. Participants: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. Main outcome measures: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7 percent (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50 percent) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as "trips". Unwanted effects were reported by 75 percent of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4 percent). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso recreacional de benzidamina, um medicamento antiinflamatório, entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil. MÉTODO: Desenho: descritivo, transversal. Local: 93 instituições assistenciais para crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua nas 27 capitais do Brasil. Participantes: 2.807 crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, com idade entre 10 e 18 anos. Principais medidas de interesse: características demográficas, padrão de uso (uso na vida, uso nos últimos 30 dias, frequência e características de uso no mês anterior à pesquisa) e efeitos da benzidamina usando um questionário. RESULTADOS: 78 relataram uso recreacional na vida de benzidamina (67 casos identificados somente em três capitais). Entre os 30 entrevistados que relataram uso recente da substância (no mês que precedia a investigação), 66,7 por cento (n = 20) tomaram o medicamento em quatro dias ou mais no mês. Os efeitos desejados mais frequentemente reportados foram alucinações e alterações sensoriais inespecíficas como "viagem" (50 por cento). Efeitos indesejados foram citados por 75 por cento dos entrevistados, principalmente náuseas e vômitos (21,4 por cento). Na maioria dos casos, o medicamento foi obtido de drogarias sem apresentação de prescrição médica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados observados neste estudo identificam o uso recreacional de benzidamina entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, especialmente no Nordeste do Brasil, e indicam a necessidade de controle especial sobre a dispensação desta substância.

[Medicine consumption and the internet: critical evaluation of a virtual community]. / Consumo de medicamentos e internet: análise crítica de uma comunidade virtual.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the promotion of medicines in the media by the analysis of dialogs from a virtual community, whose members use benzydamine in high doses seeking the collateral effects. METHODS: Opinions from a group in a Social Network Service (SNS) available in the internet were evaluated by the Analysis of Content Technique, whereas data from 385 members from this group were used to identify a profile of the individuals. RESULTS: The profile found was male, age between 18 and 20 years and in high school. Analysis of opinions revealed the consumption of 16 to 20 tablets of the medicine, sometimes along with alcohol and the occurrence of the following symptoms: visual hallucinations, insomnia and gastrointestinal effects. In the dialogs, two discourses were identified: one recommends this non-therapeutic use and the other tries to dissuade individuals from using it. CONCLUSION: A virtual community organized to discuss a non-therapeutic use of a medicine may contribute to its use. This fact reaffirms the necessity of a major campaign to alert individuals about the dangers of self-medication and also the importance of pharmacies and drugstores to comply with the sanitary legislation.

Consumo de medicamentos e internet: análise crítica de uma comunidade virtual / Medicine consumption and the internet: critical evaluation of a virtual community

OBJETIVO: Discute-se a promoção do uso de medicamentos na mídia a partir da análise dos diálogos de uma comunidade virtual, cujos participantes utilizam a substância benzidamina em altas dosagens, em busca de seus efeitos adversos. MÉTODOS: Privilegiou-se uma abordagem qualitativa em que, através da técnica de análise de conteúdo, os comentários de um grupo reunido em um Serviço de Rede Social (SRS), disponível na rede mundial de computadores (internet), foram analisados. Dados de 385 participantes foram reunidos e utilizados para a identificação do perfil dos indivíduos. RESULTADOS: O perfil encontrado foi de jovens entre 18 e 20 anos, predominantemente do sexo masculino e com escolaridade média. Verificou-se a partir da análise dos comentários, uma tendência ao consumo de 16 a 20 drágeas do medicamento, acompanhadas ou não de álcool, com o predomínio dos seguintes efeitos: alucinações visuais, insônia e distúrbios gastrointestinais. Pôde-se identificar nos diálogos, duas correntes: uma, que incentiva seu uso não-terapêutico e outra, que o desaconselha. CONCLUSÃO: Uma comunidade virtual organizada em torno da discussão de uso não-terapêutico de um medicamento pode contribuir para a sua promoção, principalmente em jovens. Tal fato reforça a necessidade de maiores campanhas de alerta sobre a automedicação e o cumprimento das leis sanitárias pelas farmácias e drogarias.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the promotion of medicines in the media by the analysis of dialogs from a virtual community, whose members use benzydamine in high doses seeking the collateral effects. METHODS: Opinions from a group in a Social Network Service (SNS) available in the internet were evaluated by the Analysis of Content Technique, whereas data from 385 members from this group were used to identify a profile of the individuals. RESULTS: The profile found was male, age between 18 and 20 years and in high school. Analysis of opinions revealed the consumption of 16 to 20 tablets of the medicine, sometimes along with alcohol and the occurrence of the following symptoms: visual hallucinations, insomnia and gastrointestinal effects. In the dialogs, two discourses were identified: one recommends this non-therapeutic use and the other tries to dissuade individuals from using it. CONCLUSION: A virtual community organized to discuss a non-therapeutic use of a medicine may contribute to its use. This fact reaffirms the necessity of a major campaign to alert individuals about the dangers of self-medication and also the importance of pharmacies and drugstores to comply with the sanitary legislation.