In this study, indications for benzodiazepines in the healthcare services of the city of Coronel Fabriciano (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil) were analyzed in terms of compliance with the indications established in the literature. The study was carried out using all prescriptions for benzodiazepines in municipal healthcare units between September and October 2006, as well as the prescription form filled out by the prescriber and computer files. A total of 1866 prescriptions were analyzed; 59.7% were for diazepam and the rest were for clonazepam. The mean daily dose per 1000 inhabitants/day was 24.69 for diazepam and 3.58 for clonazepam. Approximately 50% of the indications were as a hypnotic or anti-anxiety medication; 21.9% were for "chronic use/dependence" and the rest were for other indications. Among the prescriptions that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the analysis of indication adequacy (1618), approximately 70% were found to be inadequate considering the indication and duration of treatment. It revealed a high percentage of the inadequate use of benzodiazepines, especially due to prolonged use and the treatment of cases considered by the prescribers as chronic use/dependence. Thus, healthcare services bear responsibility for the maintenance of dependence.
Benzodiazepine; Rational use; Diazepam; Health systems; Epidemiology
