Use of guaco (Mikania glomerata) in primary health care in Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil
Abstract Mikania glomerata (guaco) is included in Brazil’s National List of Essential Drugs (RENAME) with expectorant and bronchodilator indications. This research aims to describe the profile of patients and prescribers of guaco-based herbal medicines within the Unified Health System in the municip...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universidade de São Paulo
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1984-82502025000100309&lng=en&tlng=en |
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| Summary: | Abstract Mikania glomerata (guaco) is included in Brazil’s National List of Essential Drugs (RENAME) with expectorant and bronchodilator indications. This research aims to describe the profile of patients and prescribers of guaco-based herbal medicines within the Unified Health System in the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul (RS)/Brazil, quantify the consumption and cost of this product, and assess the prescriber’s experience with guaco and herbal medicine. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted based on questionnaires applied to prescribers and guaco usage data in primary care in RS municipalities (May 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021). 44 municipalities (40%) were identified dispensing guaco syrup in the sample. The results showed a prevalence of women users (57.4%) and patients between 19 and 59 years of age (58.2%). All participating prescribers were physicians, and 37% of the responses indicated daily doses of coumarin lower than recommended. The syrup consumption per 1,000 inhabitants ranged from 0.3 to 36.6 bottles, and the monthly cost per municipality varied from $0.50 to $247.78. Only five prescribers (21.7%) were familiar with the herbal medicines in RENAME, and only one had formal training for prescribing herbal medicines, highlighting the need for instruction and dissemination of programs for using herbal medicines. |
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| ISSN: | 2175-9790 |