ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS

ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2021.43.11403

Keywords:

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Audiovisual Aids, Methylphenidate, Drug Utilization

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the quality, type of information and the impact of YouTube videos on the medication methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin®) which, despite being indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been used irrationally aiming at benefits in studies. The 60 most relevant videos on the topic were obtained using the keyword Ritalin, 2 videos were excluded because they did not discuss issues relevant to the use of the drug. The 58 videos obtained were analyzed and the information disclosed was compared with those contained in the product leaflet and in the Micromedex® database, as well as the type of information disclosed and the presence of health professionals or users of the medicine in the videos. In 33 videos (57%) there was the participation of health professionals who divulged correct information and discouraged the improper consumption of Ritalin. 9 videos (15%) also presented correct information, but were not released by health professionals. In videos with user reports, in 12 (21%), there were reports of use to improve intellectual performance, attributing properties to the medicine that were not scientifically proven. These numbers showed that most of the videos, totaling 46 (79%) seem not to compromise the correct use of the medication; however 12 videos (21%) encouraged the use of Ritalin as a stimulant for study and, therefore, represent a risk to rational use of medicines.

Author Biographies

Juliana Givisiez Valente, MSc, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Mestre em Ciências pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Graduada em Farmácia pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (2004). Atua como Farmacêutica na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus UFRJ Macaé Professor Aloísio Teixeira. Trabalha no Centro Regional de Informações sobre Medicamentos CRIM UFRJ-Macaé. Integra o grupo de pesquisa Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos- LpBIO na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, atua principalmente nos seguintes temas, Farmácia Social, Fitoterapia, Informações sobre Medicamentos, Extensão Universitária. Farmacêutica do Centro Regional de Informações sobre Medicamentos - CRIM UFRJ-Macaé

Paula Alvarez Abreu, Dra, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professora adjunta III da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Doutora em Neurociências pela Universidade Federal Fluminense. Possui graduação em Farmácia Industrial pela UFF (2006). Atualmente é membro permanente do Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências da UFRJ. Tem projetos na área de desenvolvimento e análise de novas ferramentas para ensino de Ciências e divulgação científica em uma perspectiva interdisciplinar e de inclusão.  Além de projetos na área de Planejamento de fármacos e Modelagem Molecular com ênfase no estudo de novos antimicrobianos.

Published

2021-10-04

How to Cite

Valente, J. G., & Abreu, P. A. (2021). ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS: ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS. Context and Health Journal, 21(43), 106–115. https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2021.43.11403

Issue

Section

Ciências Farmacêuticas & Saúde