SELF-MEDICATION AND INDISCRIMINATE USAGE OF ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

Self-medication and the indiscriminate usage of antibiotics aims to raise awareness about a problem that has gained strength in the pharmaceutical scenario, whether it is difficulty in accessing basic health care, inefficiency in medical diagnoses or lack of information, self-medication has been increasingly sought as a palliative for pain, symptoms or for the treatment of already existing diseases. However, when analyzing the use of antibiotics, society's lack of knowledge about the consequences and side effects of the indiscriminate and incorrect use of this drug class is notorious. The indiscriminate use and incorrect administration of antibiotics began to be noticed after restriction of sale upon presentation of a prescription, making it difficult for people without access to medical assistance to purchase medicines, making people look for quick and practical solutions, such as small drugstores, without frequent inspections, which facilitates access to this drug class even without presenting the control prescription. This research was produced through a qualitative methodology, in which it aimed to describe the importance of the clinical pharmacist in the role of raising awareness of the population about the various risks of self-medication and also the indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics in order to try to reduce these harmful practices. This study was produced through a literature review, in which a search was made in relevant databases in the health area. In the end, the importance of pharmaceutical orientation was confirmed regarding the correct administration of the drugs, and time of use in order to complete the prescribed treatments, as well as the discipline of the professionals in charge of the technicians in fulfilling the requirements imposed by ANVISA regarding the commercialization of antibiotics, contributing to the reduction of aggravating factors that they bring through their incorrect and indiscriminate use.