title: An overview about the medical use of antifungals in Portugal in the last years.
abstract: Despite the introduction of new antifungal agents, the frequency of invasive and mucocutaneous fungal infections as well as resistance to antifungal drugs continues to increase. Over 300 million persons are infected annually with fungi. Resistance to antimicrobials is one of today's major health threats. Can the possible causes of fungal antimicrobial resistance be understood and prevented to minimize risks to public health. We provide an overview of antifungal drug use in European countries, particularly Portugal. We reviewed prescriptions for and over-the-counter sales (OTC) of azoles in Portuguese pharmacies and in alternative shops. We conclude that in Portugal, azole antifungal sales, as well as medical prescribed azoles are very high. The Portuguese population consumes more antifungal drugs per capita than others in Europe.
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|School D. Maria II, Rua da Alegria, Vila Nova de Famalicão 4760-067, Portugal.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Manuel da S Azevedo
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
authors: Luisa
authors: L
authors: Cruz
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|Department of Microbiology, Hospital S. João, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
authors: Cidália
authors: C
authors: Pina-Vaz
authors: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.|Burn Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital S. João, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
authors: Acácio
authors: A
authors: Gonçalves-Rodrigues
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D025141:Drug Resistance, Fungal; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D055553:Prescription Drugs