INAPPROPRIATE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN THE CURRENT BRAZILIAN CONTEXT: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article sought to analyze scientific evidence regarding the inappropriate use of antibiotics in Brazil, its relationship with the development of bacterial resistance, and its repercussions for public health. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach, based on searches in the PubMed and SciELO databases covering 20 studies published between 2021 and 2026. The results demonstrated that the issue occurs both in the community and in health services, driven by self-medication, early discontinuation, use without proper indication, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. The multifactorial nature of the phenomenon was highlighted, as well as the impact of inappropriate exposure on the emergence of resistant strains, causing clinical, healthcare, epidemiological, and environmental damages. The relevance of health education strategies, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and prescription qualification was emphasized. It is concluded that the irrational use of antibiotics remains a serious challenge in the national scenario, requiring integrated interventions and the strengthening of public surveillance policies.