INDISCRIMINATE USE OF ANTIMICROBIALS AND THE PHARMACIST'S ROLE IN CONTROLLING SELF-MEDICATION: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The discovery of antimicrobials opened doors to the treatment of various infectious diseases. In this sense, medications began to be produced on a large scale and consumed by the global population. Therefore, pharmacists are professionals capable of developing strategies that reduce the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. The objective of this study is to analyze the evidence in the scientific literature on the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials and pharmaceutical interventions in controlling self-medication. The study was conducted through an integrative literature review of articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish between 2021 and 2025. The article selection process resulted in 10 articles, 80% of which are indexed in the Science Direct database. Three publications were from 2024 and three from 2025, in addition to two publications from 2022. Regarding the type of study developed, the majority (60%) are cross-sectional studies. Two ecological studies, one qualitative study, and one intervention study were recorded. It was concluded that self-medication with antimicrobials is a common practice worldwide, especially in poorer countries. Penicillins were described as the most commonly used class of antimicrobials. Therefore, there is a need for further studies that reinforce pharmaceutical practices, with interventions that promote health education.