Domestic stock and use of medicines by children in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ABSTRACT The domestic stock and the drug use by children and adolescents from 20 municipalities of the Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) were evaluated by means of a population-based domestic survey. Descriptive analysis and association tests were performed. Of the 1.237 drugs found, 27% were in easily accessible places. There was no association between the professions related to the health area of the responsible for the use. The instruction degree ≤ 4 years of study appears to be at higher risk. The prevalent drugs were analgesic/antipyretic, histamine H1 antagonist and antibiotics. The data show a high prevalence of domestic stock with risks for children, and educational actions are required in the region.