| dc.description.abstract | Alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health damages, including cognitive impairment, liver injury and addiction. However, various medications and herbal and homeopathic compounds contain alcoholic substances in the composition. This study proposed the investigation of the presence of alcohol content in drugs, herbal and homeopathic compounds and analysis of the influence of alcohol on the action of the drug. The method consisted of research on drugs in liquid forms for oral use, in the Compendium of Medications leaflets and Eletronic Medications leaflets of the National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance, and alcoholic oral preparations of herbal medicine and homeopathy. After a general characterization of drugs and compounds, we analyzed the possible interactions between alcohol content and effectiveness of the therapeutic response based on scientific literature. We found 135 medicines for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune system, nervous system and antimicrobials, available in the forms of solution, syrup, elixir and suspension to be reconstituted. Over fifty percent of drugs had alcohol in the ingredients, seven different alcohols, ethanol was more frequent. The interactions between alcohol and medications, including herbal and homeopathic preparations beverages were: worsening of side effects, physiological antagonism, chemical antagonism, synergistic action, increase of toxicity and positive interaction. To minimize damage caused by alcohol use in medications is necessary an appropriate control and restriction of vehicle components and excipients, as well as easy access to free alcohol alternatives through information to the users. | |
