Prioritization of the ten best-selling generic drugs in Brazil in 2023, based on Persistence-Mobility-Toxicity criteria (PMT approach) Gilmar Aparecido dos Santos, Luciana Lopes Guimarães, Vinicius Roveri

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prioritize the ten most commonly consumed generic drugs in Brazil in 2023 that may have an impact on aquatic ecosystems. To this end, all compounds were subjected to in silico predictions using the open-source computational tool EPI Suite, which provided information on the persistence, mobility and toxicity of these drugs (PMT approach). The drug simethicone (Luftal) was excluded from the list because it was not possible to obtain PMT information using EPI Suite. Sildenafil (Viagra) was the highest priority drug to be managed in Brazilian aquatic ecosystems due to its PMT property, followed by losartan (1st best-selling drug), atenolol, tadalafil, simvastatin, enalapril, nimesulide, dipyrone and finally simvastatin. Measures to control the widespread disposal of these drugs in Brazilian aquatic ecosystems are strongly recommended.