[Drug use among children between zero and six years old: a population baseline study in the south of Brazil]

The scope of this article was to estimate the prevalence of medication use in children between zero and six years old, analyzing the associated socio-demographic characteristics, and evaluating the adequacy of the medication with respect to pediatric recommendations and restrictions per age group. A cross-sectional study was conducted by means of cluster sampling on a sample comprised of children aged six or under, residents of a city in the south of Brazil. A standardized questionnaire about medication use 15 days prior to the interview was applied. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and the association between medication use and socio-demographic factors was evaluated, as well as the analysis of the pediatric adequacy of the most prevalent medication. Of the 687 children evaluated, 52% used at least one drug in the period. Associations between medication use and socio-demographic characteristics were not found, with the exception of per capita monthly income. The most prevalent medication was paracetamol (17.1%), followed by amoxicillin (9.5%) and dipyrone (8.4%). Among the ten drugs most used in children, six had pediatric restrictions for the age group. The results indicate significant use of medication, including medication with age restrictions, particularly for children under two years of age.