There is a worldwide concern about rational drug use and medical treatment approach. In developing countries, the rational drug use represents an alternative that allows cost reduction without loosing quality in treatment. Although appropriate use of drugs may be indeed of vital importance, drugs represent a double edged word due to their potential adverse effects. The drug utilization studies are tools for detection of possible abuses on its use or the occurrence of adverse events, preventing unappropriate use and unnecessary expenses (pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomy). However, a few resources are intended for monitoring rational drug use. Moreover, there are limited data on the use of therapeutic agents in hospitals. This research confirmed the importance of these studies, especially in hospitals, to cost reduction and more secure drug use. The observation of deviations, inefficacy and adverse events on the drug utilization makes possible the development of government political and of education interventions, with the aim of rational drug utilization.
Drug utilization; Pharmacoeconomy; Pharmacoepidemiology
