title: [Drug impact on human poisoning in Brazil].
abstract: This article analyzes the role of pharmaceuticals in human poisoning in Brazil from 1993 to 1996, based on data from the National Network of Poison Control Centers. Results are presented according to cause, age group, sex, and evolution. The paper discusses measures aimed at preventing this serious public health problem, which primarily impacts children under five years of age in accidents caused by inappropriate use of medicines. The authors also analyze the association between female gender and deaths caused by intentional intake of drugs.
authors.affiliation: Sistema Nacional de Informações Tóxico-Farmacológicas, Centro de Informação Científica e Tecnológica, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Prédio Biblioteca de Manguinhos, sala 218, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brasil. melide@fiocruz.br
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bortoletto
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bochner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data