PROFILE OF ANTIMICROBIAL DISPENSING IN A COMMUNITY PHARMACY IN PATOS, PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

Abstract

Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment of infections; however, their inappropriate use may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. In this context, this study aimed to identify the profile of antimicrobial dispensing in a community pharmacy in Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. This was a qualitative-quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, and opinion-based study conducted with 20 users aged 18 years or older who obtained antimicrobials at the investigated establishment. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics prescription presentation, declared reason for use, medications obtained, and pharmaceutical counseling. The data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed through descriptive statistics based on absolute and relative frequencies. Among the participants, 55.0% were female and 45.0% were male. Regarding prescription presentation, 60.0% reported presenting a prescription, whereas 40.0% reported not presenting one. Bacterial infection was the main declared reason for antimicrobial use, accounting for 80.0% of participants. Regarding pharmaceutical counseling, 90.0% reported receiving some type of guidance during the acquisition process. Among the identified medications, amoxicillin and cephalexin showed the highest frequencies, both at 20.0%, followed by azithromycin at 15.0% and amoxicillin combined with clavulanate at 5.0%. Among the 12 identifiable medications, penicillins/beta-lactams (41.7%), cephalosporins (33.3%), and macrolides (25.0%) predominated. It is concluded that the study identified points requiring attention regarding prescription presentation, as well as potential strengths in pharmaceutical counseling, reinforcing the importance of qualified dispensing practices and the rational use of antimicrobials.