AUTOMEDICAÇÃO E O USO IRRACIONAL: O PAPEL DO FARMACÊUTICO NO COMBATE A ESSAS PRÁTICAS

Abstract

Self-medication and the irrational use of medications are common practices among the Brazilian population, culminating in secondary problems caused by this practice. The pharmacological classes that are involved in self-medication are the so-called over-the-counter drugs, and several factors contribute to the induction of the practice of self-medication, such as financial, cultural and social factors. Therefore, the pharmacist assumes an important role as advisor and health agent, contributing to the rational use of medications and mitigating the use of drugs, benefiting the entire population, which, in general, has easy access to these professionals.